Macros per serving
Calories: ~775 kcal
Protein: ~66g
Carbohydrates: ~85g
Fat: ~19g
Fibre: ~6g
A creamy, protein-packed mac & cheese with sticky honey BBQ chicken and a refreshing coleslaw, balancing richness with a crisp, tangy crunch. Perfect for meal prep or a comforting high-protein meal.
Total Time: ~35 mins (10 mins prep time, 25 mins cook time)
Total cost (2 servings) ≈ £6.30
Cost per serving ≈ £3.15
This is an approximate calculation, but it should give you a good idea of the cost of making these 2 servings. The cost per meal comes down significantly when buying ingredients in larger quantities, especially for pantry staples like olive oil, spices, and seasonings.
Ingredients (2 servings)
For the Honey BBQ Chicken:
• 400g boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp honey
• 40g sugar-free BBQ sauce
For the Mac & Cheese:
• 160g macaroni (dry weight, wholewheat preferred)
• 175ml fat-free evaporated milk
• 40g light cream cheese
• 1 tsp chicken stock powder
• 55g grated cheddar cheese
For the Coleslaw:
• 1 small carrot, grated
• ½ small red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Prep the Food
• Marinate the Chicken: Dice the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix with salt, onion powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and olive oil. Let the chicken marinate for 10 minutes.
• Prep the Vegetables: Grate the carrot and finely shred the red cabbage. Set aside for the coleslaw.
2. Boil the Pasta
• Bring 1.2-1.5 litres of water to a boil in a large pot.
• Add 160g of macaroni and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.
• Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
• Drain once cooked and set aside.
3. Air Fry the Chicken
• Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
• Place marinated chicken into the air fryer basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 12 minutes, shaking halfway
• In a small bowl, mix honey and BBQ sauce. Toss the cooked chicken in the sauce, then return it to the air fryer.
• Cook for 2 more minutes to allow the glaze to caramelise.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce
• In a pot, heat the evaporated milk over low heat.
• Stir in cream cheese and chicken stock powder until fully melted.
• Add grated cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Mix in the drained macaroni, stirring until well coated.
5. Make the Coleslaw
• In a bowl, whisk together Greek yoghurt, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
• Add the grated carrot and shredded red cabbage, tossing to coat in the dressing.
• Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the flavours to develop.
6. Serve & Enjoy
• Divide the mac & cheese, honey BBQ chicken, and coleslaw into 2 portions.
• Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat mac & cheese in the microwave with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Health Benefits of the Dish
Muscle-Building Protein
Chicken breast is a lean, high-quality protein source, essential for muscle repair, strength, and recovery. A high-protein meal also helps with satiety, keeping you fuller for longer and supporting metabolism.
Balanced Carbs for Energy
Macaroni provides slow-digesting carbohydrates, giving your body a steady energy release to fuel workouts, recovery, and daily activities. Wholewheat pasta also offers extra fibre, aiding digestion and blood sugar stability.
Healthy Fats & Nutrients
Olive oil and dairy provide essential healthy fats, which support hormone production, brain function, and nutrient absorption. Greek yoghurt in the coleslaw adds probiotics to promote a healthy gut and digestion.
Tips & Variations
Spice it Up – Add chilli flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or smoked chipotle powder to the BBQ chicken for extra heat.
Lower-Carb Option – Swap mac & cheese for cauliflower mac, use courgette noodles, or serve with a side of sautéed greens.
Extra Cheese? – Top with an extra sprinkle of cheddar or mix in a bit of Parmesan for a deeper flavour.
Sweeter BBQ Sauce? – Increase honey to 30g for a richer glaze, or add a splash of maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Smokier Flavour – Add smoked paprika to the BBQ sauce or grill the chicken over charcoal for a deeper, smoky taste.
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