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 my family on a busy weeknight when we craved something warm and satisfying but didn&t want a stack of dirty dishes. This has quickly become our go-to comfort meal for casual gatherings, always met with requests for seconds.
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 to 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.
- Add Pasta & Broth:
- 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 to 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.
- Season:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Pin it This mac and cheese always brings everyone together, and the first time my kids tasted the sweet barbecue twist, they couldn&t stop smiling. Now, every bite sparks another story at our dinner table.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh).
Nutritional Information
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g (per serving)
Notes
For extra smokiness, use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of chipotle powder. Substitute rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken—add at step 2. For a spicier kick, use spicy BBQ sauce or a dash of hot sauce. Topping with crispy onions adds great crunch.
Pin it Serve this right from the pot and savor the blend of honey and BBQ in every forkful. Enjoy effortless comfort food that brings people together.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken can be added after coating with the BBQ and honey mixture for convenience and flavor.
- → What makes the dish smoky?
Smoked paprika and BBQ sauce contribute to the smoky depth, and optional smoked cheddar can enhance it further.
- → Is it possible to adjust sweetness?
The honey can be increased or decreased to suit your preferred balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- → How do I achieve a creamy sauce without drying out?
Cooking pasta in chicken broth and milk ensures moisture; stirring in butter and cheeses melts them smoothly for creaminess.
- → Are there alternative toppings?
Fresh parsley, crispy fried onions, or breadcrumbs add texture; feel free to experiment with nuts or herbs as preferred.