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 on a busy weeknight, and it instantly became a family favorite. The combination of tangy sauce and melty cheese always makes everyone excited for dinner.
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
- Sauté 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 4–5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned (it does not need to be fully cooked through yet).
- Add Sauce:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken.
- Add Pasta & Liquids:
- Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged.
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Cheese & Butter:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Pin it Whenever we serve up this mac and cheese at family gatherings, it disappears within minutes—everyone loves how comforting and filling it is.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, cheese grater.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may have soy or gluten; double-check labels as needed.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 670 calories, 23 g total fat, 74 g carbohydrates, 40 g protein.
Pin it This honey BBQ mac and cheese is perfect for busy nights—creamy, savory, and sure to win you compliments!
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works well. Add it during the step where BBQ sauce and honey are combined to keep the chicken moist.
- → How can I make this dish spicier?
Use spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to introduce heat without overpowering the sweet and smoky flavors.
- → What type of cheese is best for melting in this dish?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are ideal as they melt smoothly and create a creamy texture that complements the smoky chicken.
- → Can I substitute the pasta with a gluten-free option?
Yes, gluten-free pasta can be used, but cooking times may vary so monitor the pasta for doneness accordingly.
- → Is there a way to add more smoky flavor?
Incorporate smoked cheddar or a pinch of chipotle powder during cooking to enhance the smoky undertones.
- → What is the benefit of cooking everything in one pot?
Cooking in one pot simplifies cleanup and allows the flavors to meld together for a richer, more cohesive dish.