Pin this 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 after a hectic week and it instantly became a family favorite. The rich cheese and BBQ chicken are a soothing treat we love sharing for dinner.
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
- Cook 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 Sauce:
- 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 & Finish:
- 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:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Pin this This recipe became a rainy day tradition at our house. My kids love helping to sprinkle crispy onions on top before gobbling up their bowls.
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) and wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may include soy or gluten: always check labels to be safe.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 670 calories, 23 g total fat, 74 g carbohydrates, 40 g protein.
Pin this Let the mac rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken the sauce a bit. Enjoy straight from the pot for ultimate comfort food vibes.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead?
Yes, substitute rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken by adding it after coating with BBQ sauce and honey, to preserve moisture.
- → What type of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide a balanced creamy texture and flavor, but smoked cheddar adds extra depth.
- → How can I add more smokiness?
Use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of chipotle powder to enhance the smoky profile of the dish.
- → Is there a way to make it spicier?
Try spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to introduce some heat without overpowering the sweet honey notes.
- → What is the best way to get crispy topping?
Add chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle crispy fried onions or bread crumbs on top for texture and flavor contrast.