Honey BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese

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 first served this to my family on a chilly evening and it quickly became a favorite because of its rich flavors and easy preparation.

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

Step 1:

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).

Step 2:

Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes coating the chicken.

Step 3:

Add the uncooked macaroni chicken broth and milk. Stir to combine ensuring the pasta is submerged.

Step 4:

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.

Step 5:

Stir in butter cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6:

Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.

Step 7:

Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.

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This recipe always brings my family together for a warm cozy meal filled with smiles and full bellies.

Notes

For a spicier kick use spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce. Topping with crispy onions adds great crunch.

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 check labels if concerned Always double check ingredient labels for allergens

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Enjoy this full flavored one pot meal that combines sweet honey and smoky BBQ with creamy cheese every time.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can be added after sautéing the sauce, skipping the initial chicken cook time.

→ What cheeses work best for this dish?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella melt smoothly and offer a balance of sharpness and creaminess, enhancing the sauce texture.

→ How do I achieve a smoky flavor?

Adding smoked paprika and using smoky BBQ sauce contribute to a rich, smoky depth, with optional smoked cheddar for more intensity.

→ Can I add a spicy kick?

Yes, substituting spicy BBQ sauce or adding hot sauce provides a nice heat without overpowering the sweet honey notes.

→ Is the topping necessary?

Toppings like fresh parsley and crispy fried onions add texture and freshness but are optional depending on preference.