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If you’ve been searching for an Easy High Protein Meal Prep Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, this is the one.
It’s creamy, smoky, slightly sweet, and honestly tastes like comfort food… but with serious nutrition behind it. We’re talking 60 grams of protein per serving.
And yes, it reheats beautifully. Which makes it a dream for meal prep days. A creamy, smoky, protein-packed comfort meal you can actually feel good about
Why this recipe became my weekly go-to
I first made this recipe during one of those “I need to reset my eating habits” weeks. You know the kind. I wanted something high protein, but I was honestly tired of plain chicken, rice, and vegetables.
I wanted comfort food, but smarter. Something creamy, satisfying, and still aligned with my goals. That’s when this honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese came together.
Now I make it almost every week. It saves me time, keeps me consistent, and honestly just makes eating healthy feel way less boring.
How to make Easy High Protein Meal Prep Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
This recipe comes together in a few simple steps, and once you’ve made it once, it becomes second nature.
Start by seasoning your diced chicken breast with salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add a little olive oil and mix everything well so the chicken is fully coated.
Cook the chicken in a pan over medium-high heat. Give it about 4 minutes per side until it’s fully cooked. Once done, remove it from the heat and toss it with honey and BBQ sauce. This is where that sweet and smoky flavor really comes alive.
While the chicken cooks, boil your macaroni pasta according to package instructions.
Now for the creamy part. In another pan, combine fat free evaporated milk, light cream cheese, chicken stock powder, and grated light cheddar cheese. Stir gently over medium heat until everything melts into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add your drained pasta into the sauce and mix until every piece is coated. Then portion your mac and cheese with the honey BBQ chicken into meal prep containers.
That’s it. Simple, quick, and so satisfying.
How long does it take + serving ideas
This Easy High Protein Meal Prep Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese takes about 30 to 35 minutes from start to finish. That includes prep, cooking, and assembling your meal prep containers.
It makes 4 generous servings, perfect for lunches or dinners throughout the week.
For serving, you can keep it simple or dress it up a bit. Add steamed broccoli, green beans, or a fresh side salad for balance. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheese or fresh herbs on top before reheating if you want that extra touch.
Why you will love this recipe
- High protein powerhouse Each serving packs around 59 grams of protein, making it perfect for muscle building and staying full longer.
- Perfect for meal prep It stores well and reheats beautifully, which makes your week so much easier.
- Comfort food made healthier Creamy mac and cheese with BBQ chicken, but lighter and more balanced.
- Simple ingredients Everything is easy to find and budget friendly.
- Quick to make Done in under 40 minutes, even on a busy day.
- Family friendly It’s one of those meals everyone actually enjoys, no complaints.
Tips, swaps, and easy variations
A few small tweaks can make this recipe even better or help you adapt it to what you have on hand.
If your sauce feels too thick, just add a splash of milk to loosen it. This also helps when reheating later.
You can swap chicken breast for chicken thighs if you want something juicier, though the fat content will be slightly higher.
For the BBQ sauce, go with a reduced sugar or sugar free option to keep the macros balanced. But honestly, use what you love. The flavor still shines.
Want to boost nutrition? Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli straight into the mac and cheese.
For a spicy kick, mix in a little chili powder or hot sauce into the BBQ chicken.
And if you prefer a different pasta, whole wheat or high protein pasta works great here too.
Storage and meal prep tips
Store your portions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
When reheating, add a small splash of milk before microwaving. This brings the mac and cheese back to life and keeps it creamy instead of dry.
You can also freeze it, but the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing.
Meal Prep Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Season diced chicken with salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Add olive oil and mix well.
- Cook chicken on medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Remove from heat and add honey and BBQ sauce. Mix until coated.
- Cook macaroni pasta according to package instructions. Drain once done.
- In a pan, add evaporated milk, cream cheese, chicken stock powder, and cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix until fully coated.
- Divide mac and cheese and chicken evenly into 4 meal prep containers.
Notes
- Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep the sauce creamy
- Do not overcook the pasta or it may become mushy when reheated
- Adjust seasoning to taste
- Use any BBQ sauce you prefer
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 587
- Carbohydrates: 67.5g
- Fat: 9g
- Protein: 59g
Give it a try this week
If you’ve been stuck in a food rut, this Easy High Protein Meal Prep Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese might be exactly what you need. It’s easy, filling, and actually exciting to eat.
Try it once and you’ll see why it’s become such a favorite.
More high protein meal prep ideas
- High Protein Cinnamon Sticks - March 20, 2026
- Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Ice Cream - March 20, 2026
- High Protein Chicken Gyros - March 19, 2026