Crispy Chicken and Healthy Mac & Cheese: A 5-Day Meal Prep That Feels Like a Cheat Meal

Sometimes, meal prep can feel repetitive or boring, but this recipe will change that entirely. Imagine crispy, tender chicken bites paired with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese—both packed with protein and flavor. This is one of those meals that feels indulgent but fits perfectly into a weight-loss or fitness-focused lifestyle.

At just 438 calories per container and 56.4 grams of protein, this recipe is a nutritional powerhouse. The best part? It’s budget-friendly. I bought all the ingredients at Walmart, and the total cost was just $27.33 for five meals. If you’re ready to elevate your meal prep game with something easy, affordable, and downright delicious, this is the recipe for you.

Ingredients

For the Crispy Chicken:

• 20 oz chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces

• Corn flakes, crushed (for breading)

• 2 eggs (for coating)

Seasonings for Chicken:

• Garlic powder

• Black pepper

• Salt

• Paprika

• Chicken bouillon

For the Protein Mac & Cheese:

• 8 oz protein pasta of choice (such as Banza or Barilla)

• 1 ½ cups low-fat cottage cheese

• ½ cup low-fat shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup low-fat milk of choice

• 1 packet Kraft Mac and Cheese powder

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp black pepper

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

1. Cube the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.

2. In a large bowl, season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, chicken bouillon, salt, and black pepper.

3. Crack 2 eggs into the bowl and mix everything well, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

1. Pour corn flakes into a separate bowl and crush them into smaller pieces. The texture is up to you—I like leaving mine slightly chunky for extra crunch.

2. Take each piece of chicken, dip it into the crushed corn flakes, and coat evenly.

Step 3: Bake the Chicken

1. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

2. Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 25 minutes, or until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.

Step 4: Cook the Protein Pasta

1. While the chicken bakes, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the protein pasta until al dente, following package instructions.

2. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Mac and Cheese Sauce

1. In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, low-fat milk, shredded cheddar cheese, Kraft Mac and Cheese powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Assemble the Mac and Cheese

1. Add the blended cheese sauce to the cooked pasta.

2. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta in the sauce.

Step 7: Portion and Store

1. Divide the baked crispy chicken and mac and cheese into 5 equal portions.

2. Store in airtight meal prep containers and refrigerate. These meals will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

Why You’ll Love This Meal Prep

• Flavor-Packed: The crispy chicken has a crunchy coating and bold, savory seasoning, while the mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and satisfying.

• Protein Powerhouse: With over 56 grams of protein per serving, this meal is perfect for muscle-building or staying full throughout the day.

• Budget-Friendly: At the time of recording this meal prep the cost was just $27.33 for 5 meals, it’s an affordable way to eat healthy and delicious food all week long.

• Easy to Make: The recipe uses simple ingredients and steps that anyone can follow.

Final Thoughts

Meal prep doesn’t have to mean bland chicken and plain rice. This crispy chicken and mac and cheese combo proves that eating healthy can be indulgent, satisfying, and exciting. If you give this recipe a try, let me know how it turned out—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Would you like me to share more budget-friendly, high-protein meal prep ideas? Let me know in the comments!