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.
This meal became a weeknight favorite after I experimented with combining BBQ chicken and mac and cheese in one pot. Watching my family gather around the table, eager for seconds, proved how comforting and delicious this dish truly is.
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 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 & 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.
- Finish with Cheese:
- 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.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save We love serving this on busy school nights, especially when everyone needs a filling, comforting meal after a long day. It quickly disappears whenever we host a casual family dinner.
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 and wheat. BBQ sauce ingredients may vary—always check for soy or gluten on labels if you have allergies.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g
Save This mac and cheese is irresistible served hot and fresh—store leftovers tightly covered to keep them creamy and flavorful for the next day.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use leftover chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, substitute rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken by adding it at the step when you mix BBQ sauce and honey for best results.
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar combined with mozzarella provides creamy meltiness and a tangy flavor that complements the smoky BBQ notes.
- → How can I add more smokiness to the dish?
Try smoked cheddar cheese or a pinch of chipotle powder to enhance the smoky flavor profile.
- → Is it possible to make this dish spicier?
Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to introduce a pleasant heat kick.
- → What are some good toppings to add texture?
Fresh parsley adds bright color, while crispy fried onions or bread crumbs provide a satisfying crunchy finish.