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Elevated High-Protein Mac & Cheese with Grilled Chicken

high-protein mac and cheese with grilled chicken - featured image
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A creamy, smoky mac and cheese recipe boosted with grilled chicken and Greek yogurt for extra protein, perfect for a quick, hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (about 225 grams)
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 ounces or 340 grams), grilled and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 43 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (about 24 grams)
  • 2 ½ cups milk (600 ml), whole or 2%
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200 grams)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (about 50 grams)
  • ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (120 grams) (use dairy-free coconut yogurt for vegan option)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional garnishes: fresh chives or parsley, chopped; cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Brush chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Grill 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let rest 5 minutes covered with foil, then slice.
  2. Bring large pot of salted water to boil. Cook elbow macaroni 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes until nutty smelling.
  4. Gradually whisk in milk, bring to gentle simmer and cook 4-5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Add Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and smoked paprika; mix well.
  6. Add drained macaroni to cheese sauce and stir to coat.
  7. Fold in sliced grilled chicken evenly.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped chives or parsley and cracked black pepper.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for smooth melting. Do not rush the roux to avoid raw flour taste. Rest grilled chicken covered with foil to keep juicy. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. For baked crust, broil with extra cheese and breadcrumbs for 2-3 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, grilled chicken, high protein, comfort food, creamy, cheesy, quick dinner, meal prep

Find it online: https://perkypan.com/elevated-high-protein-mac-and-cheese-with-grilled-chicken-recipe-to-boost-your-meal/