High-Protein Buffalo Bacon Ranch Chicken Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1.5 cup Buffalo wing sauce (Plus extra for topping)
• 4 oz Reduced-fat cream cheese
• 1 packet Ranch seasoning (Approximately 1 oz packet)
• 8 oz High-protein elbow macaroni (Cook separately according to package directions)
• 4 oz Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Reserve some additional cheddar for topping if desired)
• 0.25 cup Cooked bacon pieces (Approximately 28 g; reserve some additional bacon for topping if desired)
• Green onions (For topping, to taste)
• Extra buffalo wing sauce (For topping, to taste)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the chicken breasts in a crockpot. Add the buffalo wing sauce, reduced-fat cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. Spread the ingredients around the chicken so the seasoning is distributed evenly.

2. 2

   Cover the crockpot and cook on HIGH for approximately 3 hours, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and shreds easily with a fork.

3. 3

   While the chicken cooks, prepare the high-protein elbow macaroni separately according to the package directions. Drain it thoroughly and set it aside until the chicken is ready.

4. 4

   Remove the cooked chicken from the crockpot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir it through the buffalo cream-cheese mixture until evenly coated and creamy.

5. 5

   Add the cooked macaroni to the crockpot. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the buffalo chicken mixture.

6. 6

   Add the shredded sharp cheddar and cooked bacon pieces. Stir until the cheese melts into the mixture and the bacon is distributed throughout.

7. 7

   Divide the mac and cheese evenly among four meal-prep containers. Finish each portion with additional cheddar, bacon pieces, green onions, and buffalo sauce as desired.

Notes

The stated nutrition is approximately 635 calories, 61 g protein, 46 g carbohydrates, and 23 g fat per serving. Refrigerate the four portions after cooling and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• meal prep
• high-protein
• crockpot
• slow-cooked
• buffalo chicken
• mac and cheese
• American