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 on a busy weeknight when I wanted something hearty but didn&t want to deal with lots of dishes. The honey and BBQ sauce were an instant hit with my family’s taste buds.
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 Sauce and Honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken.
- Add Pasta and Liquid:
- 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.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest My kids always ask for seconds of this BBQ chicken mac, especially when I let them sprinkle extra crispy onions on top. It’s become a Wednesday night tradition in our house.
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. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g
Save to Pinterest All made in one pot for less mess and more flavor. You’ll love how quickly this goes from pantry to table.