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.
This recipe brings back memories of busy weeknights when I wanted something hearty and delicious but didn&t want a pile of dishes. My kids always request this comforting mac and cheese, and the honey BBQ twist makes it especially irresistible.
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
- Cook 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. The chicken does not need to be fully cooked through yet.
- Add BBQ Sauce and Honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken well.
- Combine Pasta, Liquid and Cook:
- 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.
- 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 Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save Gathering around the dinner table for this dish is a family favorite. Even picky eaters dig in thanks to the creamy cheese sauce and the sweet touch of honey in the BBQ chicken.
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.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 670 calories, 23 g fat, 74 g carbohydrates, 40 g protein
Save This one-pot meal will become your new go-to for busy nights. Sweet, smoky, creamy and always a hit—enjoy every cheesy bite!
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I prevent the mac and cheese from sticking?
Stir the pasta occasionally while simmering and keep the heat moderate to prevent sticking. Using enough broth ensures the macaroni cooks evenly without burning.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw?
Yes, add pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken after mixing in the BBQ sauce and honey to maintain tenderness and flavor.
- → What cheeses work best in this dish?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella blend well, providing creaminess and a mild melt. For extra smokiness, smoked cheddar can be added.
- → Is it possible to make this spicier?
Yes, use spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder to add heat and depth to the flavor.
- → What toppings complement this mac and cheese?
Fresh parsley adds brightness, while crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs provide a pleasant crunch to contrast the creamy texture.
- → Can I substitute the pasta type?
Elbow macaroni works best for even cooking and sauce absorption, but small pasta shapes like shells or rotini can also be used.