High Protein Meal Prep Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese!

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Chicken Breast (diced into 1‑inch cubes)
• 1 tsp Salt (regular table or kosher salt)
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (for seasoning the chicken)
• 2 tbsp Light Butter (reduced‑fat butter, cut into pieces)
• 0.25 cup Buffalo Sauce (store‑bought or homemade)
• 1 tbsp Honey (raw or regular)
• 8 oz Elbow Macaroni (dry, about 2 cups)
• 1 cup Fat‑Free Evaporated Milk (unsweetened)
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (adds smoky depth to the sauce)
• 1 tbsp Chicken Stock Powder (low‑sodium if possible)
• 4 oz Light Cream Cheese (softened, cut into cubes)
• 1 cup Light Grated Cheddar Cheese (shredded, reduced‑fat)
• 2 tbsp Green Onions (chopped, for garnish (optional))

Instructions

1. Season and Dice Chicken

   Dice the chicken breast into 1‑inch cubes. In a bowl combine the chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Toss until evenly coated.

   Time: PT5M

2. Cook Chicken

   Heat the skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink and lightly browned, about 8 minutes.

   Time: PT8M

3. Buffalo‑Honey Coating

   Reduce the heat to low. Add light butter, letting it melt, then stir in Buffalo sauce and honey. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated, about 3 minutes.

   Time: PT3M

4. Boil Pasta

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil (212°F). Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, usually 8‑10 minutes, until al dente.

   Time: PT10M

   Temperature: 212°F

5. Prepare Cheese Sauce

   While the pasta cooks, lower the skillet heat and pour in the fat‑free evaporated milk. Whisk in smoked paprika and chicken stock powder. Add the cream cheese cubes and shredded cheddar, stirring constantly until the mixture is smooth and creamy, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

6. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   Drain the cooked pasta in the colander and immediately add it to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

   Time: PT2M

7. Portion and Serve

   Divide the buffalo chicken mac and cheese into four equal bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve hot.

   Time: PT1M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

620

Protein

60 g

Carbohydrates

45 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

2 g