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.
When I first tried combining BBQ chicken and mac and cheese in one pot I knew it would become a weeknight favorite. The honey brings out the smokiness of the BBQ sauce for a dish that's always a hit with my family.
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 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 Sauce:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes coating the chicken.
- Add 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.
- Finish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save My kids love helping sprinkle the crispy onions on top for a fun family dinner moment. Every spoonful brings smiles to the table.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven wooden spoon or spatula measuring cups and spoons and a cheese grater if shredding cheese fresh.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk cheese butter) and wheat (macaroni). Always double-check BBQ sauce and other ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 670 calories 23 g total fat 74 g carbohydrates 40 g protein.
Save This mac and cheese is both comforting and crowd-pleasing and cleanup is a breeze. Enjoy every creamy smoky bite!
Recipe Help
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can be added when mixing in the BBQ sauce and honey to save time.
- → How do I achieve extra smoky flavor?
Use smoked cheddar cheese or add a pinch of chipotle powder to enhance smokiness.
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well, but small pasta shapes like shells or penne can also be used.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness level?
Yes, modify the honey amount to suit your taste or choose a BBQ sauce with different sweetness profiles.
- → Is it possible to make this spicier?
Add spicy BBQ sauce or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to bring heat to the dish.
- → What toppings can I add for extra texture?
Try crispy fried onions, bread crumbs, or fresh parsley for added crunch and freshness.