Honey BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese (Print Version)

Tender chicken and creamy mac with honey-infused BBQ flavor, cooked simply in one pot for easy meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (approximately 14 oz)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Sauce

06 - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred style)
07 - 2 tablespoons honey

→ Pasta & Cheese

08 - 12 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked)
09 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 7 oz)
12 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 3.5 oz)
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Topping (Optional)

14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15 - 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or bread crumbs

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, browning the chicken without fully cooking through.
02 - Incorporate BBQ sauce and honey, stirring to coat the chicken. Allow to cook for 2 minutes.
03 - Add uncooked elbow macaroni, chicken broth, and whole milk. Stir well to submerge the pasta.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Stir in unsalted butter, sharp cheddar, and mozzarella until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
06 - Adjust seasoning to taste. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and crispy fried onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Sweet and smoky flavors in every bite
  • Easy cleanup with just one pot
02 -
  • This recipe contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni).
  • BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten. Always check labels if you have allergies.
03 -
  • Make sure pasta is mostly submerged before simmering for even cooking.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest sauce.
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