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.
The first time I made this, my family couldn&t believe how much flavor came from so few steps. The honey and BBQ add a hint of sweetness we all love, and it quickly became a weeknight favorite.
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
- Sauté 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 & Honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken.
- Combine with Pasta & 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.
- Add Cheese & Butter:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save Whenever I serve this for dinner, it&s always a big hit—especially when we top it with crispy onions. Even picky eaters come back for seconds, and we laugh about how easy it was to make together!
Required Tools
To whip up this dish, you&ll need a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a cheese grater if shredding cheese fresh.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 670 calories, 23 g total fat, 74 g carbohydrates, 40 g protein.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten; check labels carefully.
Save Dig into this simple one-pot meal for comfort and extra flavor with every bite. Top with fresh parsley and crispy onions to make it a true crowd-pleaser!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw?
Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken can be added in step 2, reducing cooking time and enhancing convenience.
- → What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Any favorite style works, but smoky or spicy BBQ sauces add depth. Adjust to your flavor preference.
- → How do I make the dish spicier?
Use spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to the chicken during cooking for an extra kick.
- → Can I substitute the cheddar cheese?
Smoked cheddar adds extra smokiness, but sharp cheddar is recommended for balanced flavor and meltability.
- → Is it necessary to use both cheddar and mozzarella?
Combining both creates a creamy texture and rich taste, but you can use either cheese alone based on preference.
- → What are good toppings to add crunch?
Crispy fried onions or bread crumbs sprinkled on top add pleasant texture contrast to the creamy mac.