If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal prep idea, this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Ranch Meal Prep Mac and Cheese is exactly what you need! Packed with bold buffalo flavor, creamy ranch, and a boost of protein, this dish is perfect for busy weeks. Whether you’re planning lunches or dinners ahead of time, High Protein Buffalo Chicken Ranch Meal Prep Mac and Cheese makes healthy eating easy and incredibly tasty.
Method
Cook the Chicken
Begin by preparing the chicken. In a bowl, combine garlic powder, paprika, parsley, black pepper, and olive oil. Toss the raw diced chicken breast in this seasoning mix until it’s evenly coated. Next, heat a large pan over high heat and cook the seasoned chicken for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly and lightly browns. Once the chicken is cooked through, add the hot buffalo sauce and honey to the pan. Stir everything together to coat the chicken in the flavorful sauce. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes so the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. For a burst of fresh flavor, add some extra parsley, and then set the chicken aside.
Make the Mac and Cheese
While the chicken is cooking, move on to preparing the mac and cheese. In a medium saucepan, melt the light butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, add the hot sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese to the pan. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely, forming a smooth and creamy sauce. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked macaroni to the pan and stir everything together until the macaroni is fully coated with the creamy cheese sauce. Ensure that the sauce is nice and creamy, and adjust the consistency if necessary by adding a little extra hot sauce for flavor.
Assemble the Meal Prep
Now that both the buffalo ranch chicken and mac and cheese are ready, it’s time to assemble your meal prep. Take your meal prep containers and divide the mac and cheese evenly into each one. Then, add an equal portion of the buffalo ranch chicken to each container. This recipe makes five servings, so make sure to portion it out carefully. Once everything is assembled, your protein-packed, flavorful meal prep is complete and ready to be stored in the fridge for up to three days or frozen for up to three months.
Necessary Tools
- Large pan or skillet (for cooking the chicken)
- Medium saucepan (for the mac and cheese)
- Stirring spoon
- Meal prep containers (for storing the servings)
- Knife (for dicing the chicken)
- Cutting board
High Protein Buffalo Chicken Ranch Meal Prep Mac and Cheese
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy5
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
For the Chicken:
600g raw diced chicken breast
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp parsley (plus more for garnish)
Black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
80g hot buffalo sauce
20g honey
For the Mac and Cheese:
15g light butter
1 tbsp garlic
80g hot sauce
90g low-fat cream cheese
20g cheddar cheese
500g cooked macaroni
Directions
- Cook the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the raw diced chicken breast. In a bowl, mix together garlic powder, paprika, parsley, black pepper, and olive oil. Toss the chicken in the seasoning mix until it’s well coated. Heat a pan on high and cook the chicken for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s cooked through and lightly browned. Once the chicken is ready, add the hot buffalo sauce and honey to the pan. Stir everything together and let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add some extra parsley for a fresh, herby flavor and set the chicken aside. - Make the Mac and Cheese:
While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to whip up the creamy mac and cheese. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the hot sauce, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Stir everything until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy. Add the cooked macaroni to the pan and mix it all together until the macaroni is coated in the rich, creamy sauce. - Assemble the Meal Prep:
Now that both the chicken and mac and cheese are ready, it’s time to assemble your meal prep containers. Divide the creamy buffalo ranch chicken and the mac and cheese evenly into five meal prep containers. You’re all set for a protein-packed, flavorful meal that will last all week long!
Notes
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Be sure to check that the chicken is cooked through but not overcooked. It should be juicy and tender, not dry.
- Watch the mac and cheese: When you’re melting the cheeses, make sure to stir constantly to avoid the sauce from burning or separating.
- Buffalo sauce balance: Depending on how spicy you like your food, feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to suit your taste!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of steamed veggies, like broccoli or green beans, to balance out the meal with some freshness.
- You can also sprinkle some extra cheddar cheese or a dollop of sour cream on top for an extra creamy touch.
- Pair it with a simple salad or some fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.
Fun Fact
Did you know that buffalo sauce can be traced back to Buffalo, New York? It was first created in the 1960s at the Anchor Bar, and it quickly became a popular addition to chicken wings. Now, it’s a go-to sauce for many dishes, including this delicious mac and cheese!
Conclusion
This High Protein Buffalo Chicken Ranch Meal Prep Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of flavor, convenience, and nutrition. It’s easy to prepare, great for meal prepping, and keeps you full and energized throughout the day. Once you try this High Protein Buffalo Chicken Ranch Meal Prep Mac and Cheese, it will quickly become a staple in your weekly routine.
