One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken (Print version)

Comforting mac and cheese with BBQ chicken and honey, cooked in one pot for easy, flavorful dining.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (about 14 oz)
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Sauce

06 - 1 cup (8 fl oz) barbecue sauce
07 - 2 tbsp honey

→ Pasta & Cheese

08 - 12 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
09 - 3 cups (24 fl oz) low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup (8 fl oz) whole milk
11 - 2 cups (7 oz) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
12 - 1 cup (3.5 oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
13 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter

→ Topping (Optional)

14 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
15 - 1/4 cup (0.9 oz) crispy fried onions or bread crumbs

# How to Make:

01 - 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 but not fully cooked.
02 - Stir in barbecue sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken thoroughly.
03 - Add uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and whole milk. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is submerged.
04 - Bring mixture 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 liquid is absorbed.
05 - Stir in unsalted butter, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and sauce is creamy.
06 - Adjust seasoning to taste, remove from heat, and mix well.
07 - Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and crispy fried onions or bread crumbs. Serve immediately.

# Expert tips:

01 -
  • One-pot meal for easy cleanup
  • Sweet, smoky flavor from BBQ sauce and honey
02 -
  • This dish contains dairy and wheat ingredients.
  • BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten; always check labels for allergens.
03 -
  • For extra smokiness, use smoked cheddar or a pinch of chipotle powder.
  • Substitute rotisserie chicken to save time—just add at the sauce step.
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