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 still remember the first time I made this for a busy weeknight dinner& everyone loved how delicious and effortless it was. The blend of BBQ sauce and melty cheeses makes it a true comfort food favorite in our home.
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
- Brown the 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&4 minutes until chicken is lightly browned (it does not need to be fully cooked through yet).
- Coat with sauce:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken.
- Cook pasta:
- 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.
- Make it creamy:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save My kids always ask for seconds when I serve this for dinner. It&s become our go-to dish for game night or when family comes over because everyone enjoys it 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 This mac and cheese is best enjoyed piping hot, topped with crispy onions for texture. Cleanup is easy and leftovers always taste great the next day.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can be used. Add it after coating with BBQ sauce and honey to avoid overcooking.
- → What can I substitute for elbow macaroni?
Other short pasta shapes like penne or shells work well and hold the creamy cheese sauce effectively.
- → How do I make it spicier?
Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder when cooking the chicken for extra heat.
- → Can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check BBQ sauce labels for gluten content to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
- → What toppings work best for added texture?
Crispy fried onions or bread crumbs add a satisfying crunch and enhance the dish's texture and flavor.