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 for a busy weeknight dinner, craving comfort food with a twist. The honey and BBQ combination became an instant favorite with everyone, especially because there were so few dishes to wash afterwards.
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.
- Mix in Pasta and Liquids:
- Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged.
- Cook Pasta:
- 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 and Butter:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save This mac and cheese is now a staple for our weekend family movie nights. Watching everyone dig in and go back for seconds always makes the effort worthwhile.
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 have soy or gluten—always check the labels to be safe.
Notes
For extra smokiness, use smoked cheddar or a pinch of chipotle powder. Rotisserie or leftover chicken works well, just add at step 2. Use spicy BBQ sauce or hot sauce for heat. The crunchy topping is a favorite with adults and kids alike.
Save Serve hot and enjoy every smoky, gooey bite. This recipe guarantees extra comfort in one pot!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken can be added after coating with BBQ sauce and honey in step 2 to save time.
- → What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
Other small pasta shapes like shells, cavatappi, or penne work well in this creamy dish.
- → How can I make the dish spicier?
Use a spicy variety of BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for extra heat.
- → What is the best cheese combination for creaminess?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a rich, smooth texture with balanced flavor.
- → Is there a way to add extra smokiness?
Using smoked cheddar or adding chipotle powder enhances the smoky flavor wonderfully.