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 on a chilly night when our family wanted something cozy, filling, and just a little bit special. The honey and BBQ sauce combination quickly became a household 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 Sauce & Honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken.
- Combine 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:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save We love to sit around the table with heaping bowls of this mac and cheese, sharing laughs and second helpings. Even picky eaters in our house always ask for this dish again.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh).
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni). If you have allergies, check the BBQ sauce label for soy or gluten.
Nutritional Information
Each serving has about 670 calories, 23 g total fat, 74 g carbohydrates, and 40 g protein.
Save Enjoy this one-pot meal for the ultimate weeknight dinner comfort. It disappears fast, so consider making a double batch!
Common Questions
- → How do I ensure the chicken remains tender in this dish?
Dice the chicken into small pieces and sauté briefly before simmering with sauce and pasta to keep it juicy and tender throughout cooking.
- → Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes, sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide creaminess and melt well, but smoked cheddar or pepper jack can add extra flavor and spice.
- → Is there a way to make it spicier?
Using a spicy BBQ sauce or adding a dash of hot sauce during cooking can increase the heat without overpowering the dish.
- → What can I substitute for fresh parsley topping?
Crispy fried onions or bread crumbs create a crunchy texture that pairs nicely if fresh parsley is unavailable.
- → Can leftover or rotisserie chicken be used?
Absolutely, add cooked chicken at the step when BBQ sauce and honey are combined to save time and infuse flavor.