Save 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 weeknight dinner when everyone was craving something hearty. It became an instant hit thanks to the easy prep and amazing taste.
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 through yet.
- Add sauce and honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken well.
- Combine pasta, broth, and milk:
- 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 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 finish:
- 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 This has become a family favorite for potlucks and busy weeknights. Even the kids go back for seconds!
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 check ingredient labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 670 Protein: 40 g Carbohydrates: 74 g Total Fat: 23 g (per serving)
Save Finish with fresh parsley to add color and brightness. This dish is great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week!
Kitchen Help
- → Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken can be added after coating with BBQ sauce and honey, skipping the initial sauté step.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce when mixing the chicken and sauce for a kick of heat.
- → What’s the best cheese for a creamy texture?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella blend well, melting smoothly to create a rich, creamy sauce.
- → Is smoked paprika essential?
Smoked paprika adds depth and smokiness, enhancing the BBQ flavor, but it can be omitted or substituted with regular paprika if preferred.
- → How do I avoid the mac sticking to the pot?
Make sure the macaroni is fully submerged in broth and stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.