Save to Pinterest 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.
The first time I made this, my family couldn't stop raving about the creamy cheesy sauce and the perfect balance of tangy BBQ and subtle honey sweetness. The best part was only having one pot to wash at the end!
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 BBQ sauce & honey:
- 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 & butter:
- Stir in butter cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Final seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish & serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this cheesy bowl around the table always makes for happy faces in my house, especially when it’s chilly outside and we’re all ready for something warm and filling.
Substitutions & Variations
Swap out the chicken for rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken by adding it at the same step as the BBQ sauce and honey. Try using smoked cheddar, pepper jack, or even gouda for unique cheesy flavors or a pinch of chipotle powder if you like extra smokiness.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. This recipe is not recommended for freezing as the sauce may separate.
What to Serve With It
Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic toast is perfect for scooping up any extra creamy sauce.
Save to Pinterest Serve immediately for the best creamy texture and that irresistible just-mixed BBQ flavor. Your family will be asking for seconds!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I keep the chicken tender in this dish?
Dice the chicken evenly and sauté until lightly browned but not fully cooked before simmering with liquids. This ensures it stays tender during cooking.
- → Can I use a different pasta type?
Yes, pasta shapes like shells or penne can work, but adjust cooking time as needed for al dente consistency.
- → What can be added for extra smoky flavor?
Try using smoked cheddar cheese or a pinch of chipotle powder to enhance smokiness without overpowering the dish.
- → Is it necessary to cover the pot while cooking pasta?
Covering helps the pasta cook evenly by trapping steam and moisture, ensuring a creamy sauce and perfectly cooked noodles.
- → What topping options work best for added texture?
Crispy fried onions or bread crumbs create a crunchy contrast that complements the creamy pasta and tender chicken.
- → Can leftover cooked chicken be used?
Yes, add rotisserie or previously cooked chicken when mixing with the BBQ sauce and honey to save time.