Reposting one of my absolute favorites by @Nikitafair
Reposting one of my absolute favorites by @Nikitafair 😋 is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 560 calories per serving. Recipe by The Plant Slant on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $19.55 total, $4.89 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup Cottage Cheese (low‑fat or reduced‑fat, blended until smooth)
- 0.5 cup Cheddar Cheese (fat‑free shredded cheddar)
- 1 packet Mac and Cheese Packet (store‑bought boxed mac and cheese flavor mix)
- 0.25 cup Buffalo Sauce (divided: 0.25 cup for sauce blend, plus 4 Tbsp later)
- 0.5 cup Fat‑Free Milk (any low‑fat milk works)
- 24 oz Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, diced into 1‑inch cubes)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.5 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (helps chicken crisp up)
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 2 Tbsp Light Ranch Dressing (for drizzling on top)
- 1 Tbsp Fresh Chives (chopped, for garnish)
- 8 oz Protein Pasta (dry weight; cook according to package directions)
Instructions
Blend Cheese Sauce
Combine 1 ½ cups cottage cheese, ½ cup shredded fat‑free cheddar, the mac‑and‑cheese packet, ¼ cup buffalo sauce, and ½ cup fat‑free milk in a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
Time: PT5M
Season and Coat Chicken
Dice 24 oz chicken breast into 1‑inch cubes. In a bowl, toss the chicken with minced garlic, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp onion powder, and 1 Tbsp cornstarch until evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Cook Chicken
Heat the skillet over medium‑high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes until the pieces are golden and crispy.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: medium‑high heat
Add Honey‑Buffalo Glaze
Stir in 2 Tbsp honey and 4 Tbsp buffalo sauce to the cooked chicken. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the glaze to thicken and coat the chicken.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Cook Pasta
While the chicken finishes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz protein pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain in a colander.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: boiling
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl. Pour the blended cheese sauce over the pasta and toss until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
Time: PT2M
Plate and Garnish
Divide the cheesy pasta into serving bowls. Top each with a generous portion of the honey‑buffalo chicken, drizzle with light ranch dressing, add a drizzle of extra buffalo sauce if desired, and sprinkle chopped chives.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 560
- Protein
- 64 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Low‑calorie, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cottage Cheese: Greek yogurt, Ricotta cheese
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Reduced‑fat cheddar, Mozzarella
- Instead of Mac and Cheese Packet: Homemade cheese sauce
- Instead of Buffalo Sauce: Hot sauce, Frank's RedHot
- Instead of Fat‑Free Milk: Almond milk, Soy milk
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Firm tofu, Tempeh
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt, Kosher salt
- Instead of Onion Powder: Finely minced fresh onion (1 tsp)
- Instead of Cornstarch: All‑purpose flour (1 Tbsp)
- Instead of Honey: Maple syrup (2 Tbsp)
- Instead of Light Ranch Dressing: Greek yogurt mixed with herbs
- Instead of Fresh Chives: Green onions
- Instead of Protein Pasta: Whole‑wheat pasta, Legume‑based pasta
Equipment Needed
- Blender
- Mixing Bowl
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Pot
- Colander
- Serving Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blending the cheese sauce until completely smooth
- Coating chicken evenly with cornstarch
- Cooking chicken until crispy without burning
- Reducing the honey‑buffalo glaze to the right thickness
- Cooking pasta al dente
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use reduced‑fat cheddar for better flavor while keeping calories low.
- Add frozen peas or sautéed vegetables for extra color and nutrition.
- Swap chicken for firm tofu cubes for a fully plant‑based version.
Troubleshooting
Chicken is not crispy.
Make sure the chicken pieces are dry before coating and avoid crowding the pan; increase heat slightly if needed.
Sauce is too thin.
Simmer the sauce a few minutes longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water.
Pasta is mushy.
Cook pasta al dente and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Portion and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat gently and add a splash of milk.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the chicken and pasta a day ahead; store separately in the fridge.
- Blend the cheese sauce and keep it refrigerated; re‑whisk before mixing with pasta.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of honey buffalo chicken mac and cheese in American comfort food cuisine?
Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort dish, and the addition of buffalo‑style chicken reflects the popularity of Buffalo wing flavors in the U.S. Combining the two creates a protein‑rich, indulgent twist that fits modern health‑conscious meal‑prep trends.
What are the traditional regional variations of buffalo chicken mac and cheese in the United States?
In the Midwest, the dish often includes extra cheese and a crunchy topping, while in the South cooks may add jalapeños or smoked paprika for heat. Some versions swap buffalo sauce for ranch‑spiced sauces.
How is honey buffalo chicken mac and cheese traditionally served in American households?
It is usually served hot in a bowl, topped with a drizzle of ranch or extra buffalo sauce and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or green onions. It’s common for families to pair it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies.
What occasions or celebrations is honey buffalo chicken mac and cheese associated with in American culture?
The dish is popular for casual gatherings such as game‑day parties, family movie nights, and as a hearty meal‑prep option for busy weekdays. Its bold flavor makes it a crowd‑pleaser at potlucks.
What makes honey buffalo chicken mac and cheese special or unique in American comfort food cuisine?
The combination of sweet honey, tangy buffalo sauce, and a high‑protein cottage‑cheese base gives the dish a balanced sweet‑spicy profile while keeping calories low, which is uncommon in traditional mac and cheese recipes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making honey buffalo chicken mac and cheese?
Common errors include overcooking the chicken so it becomes dry, not blending the cheese sauce enough resulting in lumps, and letting the sauce reduce too far, making it grainy. Follow the critical steps for coating and reducing the glaze.
Why does this honey buffalo chicken mac and cheese recipe use cornstarch on the chicken instead of flour?
Cornstarch creates a lighter, crispier crust that stays crunchy when tossed in the honey‑buffalo glaze, whereas flour can make the coating heavier and soggy.
Can I make honey buffalo chicken mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the chicken and pasta separately, store the cheese sauce in the refrigerator, and combine everything just before serving. Keep each component in airtight containers; reheat gently and add a splash of milk if the sauce thickens.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making honey buffalo chicken mac and cheese?
The cheese sauce should be smooth and glossy, coating the pasta evenly. The chicken pieces should be golden‑brown and slightly crisp on the outside while remaining juicy inside. The final dish should have a light orange hue with a drizzle of ranch and bright green chives.
What does the YouTube channel The Plant Slant specialize in?
The Plant Slant focuses on plant‑forward, high‑protein meals and meal‑prep ideas that are nutritious, affordable, and adaptable for both vegetarians and omnivores. The channel often showcases creative twists on classic comfort foods.
How does the YouTube channel The Plant Slant's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
The Plant Slant emphasizes nutrition‑dense ingredients like cottage cheese, protein pasta, and low‑fat dairy while still delivering bold flavors. Unlike many channels that prioritize indulgence, The Plant Slant balances taste with calorie‑conscious, high‑protein meals.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
