One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac (Printable Version)

Tender BBQ chicken meets creamy mac and cheese with smoky honey notes. Easy one-pot preparation, comforting results.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 oz), diced
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
07 - 2 tablespoons honey

→ Pasta & Cheese

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

→ Optional Topping

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

# Directions:

01 - Heat the 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, and sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through.
02 - Stir in the BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, tossing the chicken until it is evenly coated.
03 - Add uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and whole milk to the pan. Mix to combine, making sure the pasta is fully submerged.
04 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Stir in unsalted butter, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Stir well until all cheese is melted and sauce becomes creamy.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.
07 - Top with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Easy one pot cleanup
  • Sweet, smoky, and cheesy flavors in every bite
02 -
  • Contains dairy and wheat; check BBQ sauce for allergens
  • Yields about 4 servings with about 670 calories per serving
03 -
  • For extra smokiness, use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of chipotle powder
  • Substitute rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken—add at step 2
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