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.
After making this for a weeknight dinner, I was amazed how easily everything came together in a single pan. Each bite had the perfect balance of rich cheese and BBQ sauce with just a hint of honey.
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. Stir for 4–5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned. It does not need to be fully cooked through yet.
- Coat With BBQ & Honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes to coat the chicken evenly.
- Add Pasta & Liquids:
- Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is fully 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 cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Season & Finish:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish:
- Top with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save This dish became an instant hit in our house, and the kids especially loved the crispy onion topping. It's now a regular request whenever we're in the mood for comfort food.
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
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g per serving
Save This mac and cheese is incredibly satisfying, making for an easy way to enjoy BBQ flavors at home. Give extra garnish for crunch and color, and you’ll have a new family favorite!
Recipe FAQ
- → How can I add extra smoky flavor?
Use smoked cheddar cheese or sprinkle a pinch of chipotle powder during cooking to enhance smokiness.
- → Can I substitute cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can be added at step 2 to streamline preparation.
- → What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce style; spicy varieties add a nice kick if preferred.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Adding a dash of hot sauce or using a spicy BBQ sauce will introduce extra heat.
- → What toppings complement this dish?
Chopped fresh parsley and crispy fried onions or bread crumbs provide great crunch and freshness.