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 after a backyard gathering craving that sweet and smoky BBQ flavor but wanting something cozy and cheesy too. The whole family loves how creamy and flavorful it is—with no extra pots to wash!
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 BBQ Sauce and Honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes coating the chicken.
- Add Pasta and 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.
- Add Cheese and Butter:
- 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 My kids always request this recipe for movie night dinners—the crunchy topping is their favorite part and it makes everyone gather around the table with excitement.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven wooden spoon or spatula measuring cups and spoons and a cheese grater if shredding cheese fresh.
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk cheese butter) and wheat (macaroni). Always double-check sauce and ingredient labels if concerned about allergens.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories 670 Total Fat 23 g Carbohydrates 74 g Protein 40 g.
Save This recipe brings BBQ flavor and creamy comfort together for a one-pot weeknight meal everyone will love—and cleanup is a breeze!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken can be added after coating with BBQ sauce and honey to save cooking time while maintaining flavor.
- → What type of cheese works best for creaminess?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide a good balance of sharpness and meltiness, delivering a creamy, cheesy sauce.
- → How can I add more smoky flavor?
Incorporate smoked cheddar or a pinch of chipotle powder to deepen the smoky notes without overpowering the dish.
- → Is it possible to make this spicier?
Using a spicy BBQ sauce or adding a dash of hot sauce can introduce a pleasant kick to the dish.
- → What are good topping options?
Fresh parsley adds brightness, while crunchy fried onions or breadcrumbs provide texture contrast to the creamy mac.
- → Can I substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like penne or shells work well as long as cooking times are adjusted accordingly.