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 made this honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese for a family weeknight dinner, and everyone loved how the smoky barbecue sauce and creamy cheese came together so quickly. It was a hit with both kids and adults—everyone asked for seconds.
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 4–5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned (it does not need to be fully cooked through yet).
- Add BBQ and honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken.
- Combine pasta and liquids:
- Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged.
- Simmer:
- 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.
- Incorporate cheese and butter:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Taste and adjust:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest My kids always help sprinkle the crispy onions on top before I bring the skillet to the table, making it a fun family mealtime moment.
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) and wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains approximately: Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g.
Save to Pinterest Serve this hot straight from the pot for ultimate comfort. Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this dish?
Yes, pre-cooked or leftover chicken can be added at the step when BBQ sauce and honey are combined, saving time.
- → What type of cheese works best for creaminess?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses provide rich flavor and melt smoothly to create a creamy sauce.
- → Is it possible to add more smokiness?
For extra smokiness, include smoked cheddar cheese or a pinch of chipotle powder while cooking.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce during the cooking process to enhance heat.
- → What toppings complement this dish?
Chopped fresh parsley adds freshness, while crispy fried onions or bread crumbs offer satisfying crunch.
- → What is the best way to ensure pasta cooks evenly?
Submerge the macaroni fully in broth and milk, stir occasionally, and simmer covered to cook pasta al dente.