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.
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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
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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.
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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.
