Pin It A comforting, creamy mac and cheese loaded with tender BBQ chicken and a touch of honey for sweet, smoky flavor—all made in one pot for easy cleanup.
I first made this honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese when I wanted a hearty weeknight dinner that was quick to prepare and required minimal dishes. The combination of tender chicken, stretchy mozzarella, and tangy BBQ sauce instantly won my family over.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g), diced; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; salt and black pepper to taste
- Sauce: 1 cup (240 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite style); 2 tbsp honey
- Pasta & Cheese: 350 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni (uncooked); 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk; 2 cups (200 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Topping (Optional): 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1/4 cup (25 g) crispy fried onions or bread crumbs
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned (it does not need to be fully cooked yet).
- Add BBQ Sauce and Honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes to coat the chicken.
- Add Pasta and Liquids:
- Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine, making sure the pasta is submerged.
- Simmer:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese and Butter:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish:
- Top with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Pin It The first time I made this, my kids raced to the table and kept asking for seconds. It felt great to have a recipe everyone enjoyed and cleanup was a breeze!
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Allergen Information
This dish includes dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni). If needed, check your BBQ sauce for soy or gluten and always double-check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has approximately: calories 670, total fat 23 g, carbohydrates 74 g, protein 40 g
Pin It Serve straight from the pot for best flavor and texture. Leftovers can be reheated gently for another quick meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken saves time. Add it after simmering with BBQ sauce and honey for best flavor integration.
- → How do I achieve a creamy cheese sauce without clumping?
Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella off the heat, ensuring cheese melts smoothly with the butter for a creamy texture.
- → What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
Other small pasta shapes like shells or penne work well and hold the sauce nicely.
- → How to add more smoky flavor?
Incorporate smoked cheddar cheese or a pinch of chipotle powder for an extra smoky kick.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, use a spicy BBQ sauce or add hot sauce or cayenne pepper during cooking to suit your taste.