Save It 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 made this mac and cheese for a cozy weeknight dinner. The smoky BBQ chicken paired so well with the creamy cheese and hint of honey that my family asked for seconds right away—it quickly became a comfort food staple.
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.
- 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 & Butter:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Adjust & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save It My kids especially love scooping big spoonfuls of the cheesy pasta during family dinners. This has become one of our favorite comfort meals to share together.
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
Per serving: Calories 670, Total Fat 23 g, Carbohydrates 74 g, Protein 40 g
Save It Serve this hot from the pot and enjoy every cheesy, smoky bite. Perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Dice the chicken into even pieces and sauté just until lightly browned before simmering. Avoid overcooking for best results.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, simply add cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken when stirring in the BBQ sauce and honey to heat through gently.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Use spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder during cooking for extra heat.
- → Can I substitute cheeses?
Cheddar and mozzarella work best for creaminess, but you can mix in smoked cheddar or gouda for added flavor.
- → What is the best pasta shape to use?
Classic elbow macaroni delivers ideal texture, but small shells or cavatappi are good alternatives if preferred.
- → How do I avoid mushy pasta?
Simmer pasta until just al dente and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Avoid overcooking for best results.