Save 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.
I made this recipe for a weeknight dinner and everyone loved how the BBQ chicken paired perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese. Using just one pot made cleanup a breeze, and the leftovers tasted even better the next day.
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 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 4–5 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 and 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.
- Make it Creamy:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Taste 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 Pin Mac and cheese is always a favorite at our house, especially when we add something special like BBQ chicken. Even picky eaters went back for seconds!
Required Tools
You'll need a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a cheese grater if shredding cheese fresh.
Allergen Information
This dish contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten; always double-check ingredient labels if you have concerns.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g
Save Pin This mac and cheese always disappears quickly. Serve it hot and enjoy those comforting flavors with minimum fuss!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced evenly ensure quick, uniform cooking and blend well with the creamy sauce.
- → Can different cheeses be used?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create creamy texture and rich flavor, but smoked cheddar adds extra smokiness if preferred.
- → Is the dish spicy?
The honey provides sweetness while the BBQ sauce adds mild smoky heat; use spicy BBQ sauce or hot sauce for more kick.
- → How can I add crunch?
Crispy fried onions or bread crumbs sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunchy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
- → Can leftovers be reheated well?
Yes, gently reheat on low heat adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess and prevent drying out.