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.
This dish quickly became a family favorite after I first made it last summer; the blend of sweet honey and smoky BBQ is irresistible.
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 45 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 1012 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.
Pin My kids love gathering around the table and diving into this creamy comfort food on chilly evenings.
Substitutions
You can substitute elbow macaroni with shells or rotini; smoked paprika adds subtle depth but can be omitted if unavailable.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat on the stove with a splash of milk for creaminess.
Variations
Add chopped jalapeños for heat or swap mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for a spicier twist.
Pin This one pot wonder combines ease with incredible flavor & is sure to be a repeat dinner hit.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays tender?
Sauté diced chicken over medium-high heat just until lightly browned, then finish cooking it gently with the BBQ sauce and honey to keep it moist and tender.
- → Can I use different cheeses in this dish?
Yes, sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide creaminess and flavor, but smoked cheddar or a blend of cheeses can add unique smokiness or depth.
- → What is the best way to avoid overcooking the macaroni?
Simmer the macaroni covered and stir occasionally, checking for al dente texture after 10–12 minutes as indicated in the instructions.
- → Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?
Leftover rotisserie chicken or cooked poultry can be added after coating with BBQ sauce and honey for convenience and flavor.
- → How can I add more smoky flavor?
Use smoked cheddar, add chipotle powder, or select a smoky BBQ sauce variant to enhance the smoky notes in the dish.
