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 recipe on a chilly evening when comfort food was a must—its creamy texture and smoky depth brought everyone running to the kitchen.
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 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).
- 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 & Mix:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save This dish has become a family favorite at our weekly Sunday dinner—watching everyone go back for seconds is always the best compliment.
Required Tools
All you need is a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, a wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a cheese grater if you want freshly shredded cheese.
Allergen Information
This meal contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten, so be sure to check labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 670 calories, 23 g of fat, 74 g of carbohydrates, and 40 g of protein.
Save Enjoy this crowd-pleasing one-pot dinner that's packed with cheesy, smoky goodness and easy enough for any night of the week.
Cooking Guide
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken works well. Add it after coating with BBQ sauce and honey, then proceed with cooking the pasta.
- → What cheese types work best?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide a creamy, melty texture and a balanced flavor combination.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce or chipotle powder to increase heat.
- → Is it possible to add a crunchy topping?
Yes, topping with crispy fried onions or bread crumbs adds a delightful crunch and texture contrast.
- → What cooking tools are recommended?
A large deep skillet or Dutch oven works best for even cooking and easy stirring. A wooden spoon is ideal for mixing.