Honey BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese (Print Version)

Creamy mac and cheese with smoky honey BBQ chicken and melted sharp cheddar, all cooked together for ease.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (approximately 14 oz)
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Sauce

06 - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred style)
07 - 2 tablespoons honey

→ Pasta & Cheese

08 - 12 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
09 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 cup whole milk
11 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 7 oz)
12 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (about 3.5 oz)
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Topping (Optional)

14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15 - 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs (about 0.9 oz)

# How to Make It:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 4 to 5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.
02 - Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
03 - Add uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk to the skillet. Stir to combine, making sure pasta is fully submerged.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
05 - Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and sauce is creamy.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley and crispy onions or breadcrumbs if desired, and serve hot.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • All-in-one pot preparation means less cleanup and easy cooking.
  • The perfect balance of sweet honey and smoky BBQ sauce enhances tender chicken.
  • Creamy cheeses blend smoothly for rich, melty comfort.
  • Quick to prepare with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
02 -
  • Use a large deep skillet or Dutch oven to prevent sticking and allow enough space for stirring.
  • Stir occasionally during simmering to avoid pasta clumping or sticking to the bottom.
  • Shred your own cheese for better melting and fresher taste.
  • Check BBQ sauce labels for allergens like soy or gluten if needed.
Go Back