Pin 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.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite at our house. The first time I made it, everyone asked for seconds and now it is a regular weeknight meal whenever we want comfort food.
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.
- Season & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Pin This mac and cheese is requested by my kids on school nights and it is perfect for sharing with friends at weekend gatherings. We love sitting down together and enjoying each cheesy bite as a family.
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 so always check labels. Double-check ingredient labels for allergens before preparing.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g per serving.
Pin Serve hot and enjoy the gooey cheese with every bite. Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Marinate the chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper before cooking to infuse it with smoky and savory notes.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, add shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken at the step when BBQ sauce and honey are mixed in for convenience.
- → What type of cheese works best in this dish?
A blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates a creamy and flavorful sauce with a great melt and mild stretch.
- → Is it possible to add some heat to the dish?
For a spicy kick, use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce while cooking the chicken.
- → How do I know when the macaroni is perfectly cooked?
The macaroni should be tender but firm to the bite (al dente), usually after 10-12 minutes of simmering in the broth and milk mixture.
- → Can I skip the topping?
Yes, the dish is delicious on its own, but adding crispy fried onions or bread crumbs with fresh parsley adds a pleasant crunch and fresh flavor.