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.
I first made this honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese for a family weeknight and was amazed at how quickly everyone dug in. The single pot method saves so much time and mess, making it a regular in our kitchen rotation.
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 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.
- Combine Pasta and Liquid:
- 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.
- Add Cheese and Butter:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save Everyone in my family loves gathering around the dinner table for this dish. It&s instantly comforting and disappears fast—especially when topped with crispy onions for a fun crunch.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a cheese grater if shredding your own cheese.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni). Check BBQ sauce labels for potential soy or gluten content.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 670 calories, 23 g total fat, 74 g carbohydrates, and 40 g protein.
Save Serve straight from the pot and watch every bite disappear. One-pot simplicity means more time to relax and enjoy.
Kitchen Guide
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, you can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken—add it when combining the sauce to warm through without overcooking.
- → What cheese types work best in this dish?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a creamy, flavorful sauce, but smoked cheddar can add extra smokiness if desired.
- → How can I make it spicier?
Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture to bring a mild kick to the dish.
- → Is it possible to prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead and gently reheat on stovetop, stirring to maintain creaminess before serving.
- → What toppings complement this one-pot meal?
Chopped fresh parsley and crispy fried onions or bread crumbs add freshness and crunchy texture on top.
- → Can I use gluten-free pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Absolutely, gluten-free pasta can be used, adjusting cooking time as necessary to achieve the right texture.