Save to Pinterest 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 served this dish on a busy weeknight and loved how quickly it came together without sacrificing flavor.
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
- Step 1:
- 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)
- Step 2:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey Cook for 2 minutes coating the chicken
- Step 3:
- Add the uncooked macaroni chicken broth and milk Stir to combine ensuring the pasta is submerged
- Step 4:
- 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
- Step 5:
- Stir in butter cheddar and mozzarella cheeses Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy
- Step 6:
- Taste and adjust seasoning Remove from heat
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired Serve hot
Save to Pinterest My family loves gathering around this dish especially on chilly nights when comfort food is essential.
Notes
For a spicier kick use spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce Topping with crispy onions adds great crunch
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven Wooden spoon or spatula Measuring cups and spoons Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (milk cheese butter) Wheat (macaroni) BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten check labels if concerned Always double check ingredient labels for allergens
Save to Pinterest This one pot honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese is sure to become a family favorite with its creamy texture and sweet smoky notes.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken is best for this dish?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into bite-sized pieces work best, allowing even cooking and easy mixing with the sauce and pasta.
- → Can I use different cheeses instead of cheddar and mozzarella?
Yes, smoked cheddar or other melting cheeses like gouda can add unique flavors while maintaining the creamy texture.
- → How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking while cooking?
Stir occasionally during simmering and ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the broth and milk mixture.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Definitely. Use spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder to introduce a spicy kick.
- → Can leftover or rotisserie chicken be used?
Yes, add pre-cooked chicken at step 2 with the BBQ sauce and honey to save cooking time.