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.
The first time I made this, my family could not stop talking about the creamy texture and how the honey balanced out the BBQ sauce—the leftovers disappeared in hours.
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 & 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.
Save This is my go-to meal for busy weeknights when we want something warm and satisfying that the kids love to help garnish before serving.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g
Allergen Information
Contains dairy and wheat. BBQ sauce may have soy or gluten—always check ingredient labels for allergens.
Save This mac and cheese comes together fast and delivers unbeatable comfort—serve hot and watch everyone ask for seconds!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes. Substitute rotisserie or leftover chicken and add it when mixing in the BBQ sauce and honey.
- → What adds smokiness to the flavor?
Smoked paprika, BBQ sauce, and options like smoked cheddar or chipotle powder enrich smoky notes.
- → How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir the macaroni occasionally as it cooks in the broth and milk, ensuring it stays submerged.
- → Is there a dairy-free alternative?
You may use plant-based milk and cheese, though texture and flavor may differ from the classic version.
- → Can I make it spicier?
Choose spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce for extra heat in the final dish.
- → What is a good garnish for serving?
Chopped fresh parsley and crispy fried onions or bread crumbs add color and crunch on top.