Pin 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 dish, everyone in my house kept coming back for seconds. The blend of BBQ chicken and gooey cheese made it an instant 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 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.
- Add Pasta & 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 & Butter:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Pin This recipe was an instant hit at our family game night. Everyone loved how the sweet honey balanced the smoky BBQ sauce, and nobody minded the cleanup at all!
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a cheese grater for fresh cheese make everything easier.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g (per serving).
Difficulty & Yield
This easy, American main dish yields 4 servings and makes a great family dinner.
Pin Feel free to get creative with your favorite toppings. This dish tastes delicious straight from the pot—no one will be able to resist a second helping!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use different cheese types?
Absolutely! Try smoked cheddar for more flavor or swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack or Colby.
- → What if I only have pre-cooked chicken?
Stir in rotisserie or cooked chicken during step 2. It warms quickly and absorbs BBQ flavors.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Use spicy BBQ sauce, add hot sauce, or sprinkle chipotle powder with spices for a gentle kick.
- → Can I substitute breadcrumbs for crispy onions in the topping?
Yes, breadcrumbs work well for crunch, or try crushed crackers for another twist.
- → How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking?
Stir pasta occasionally during simmering and ensure liquid fully covers the macaroni.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
This makes excellent leftovers. Store refrigerated and reheat gently with a splash of milk.