Honey BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese (Printable)

Creamy mac with honey BBQ chicken and melted cheddar, cooked together in a single pot.

# 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
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 bread crumbs

# Method:

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 the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.
02 - Incorporate BBQ sauce and honey into the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring to coat the chicken evenly.
03 - Add uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and whole milk to the skillet. Stir well to combine and ensure the pasta is 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 unsalted butter, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until cheeses melt completely and sauce turns creamy.
06 - Adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat.
07 - Top with chopped fresh parsley and crispy fried onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy cleanup with one-pot convenience
  • Delicious blend of sweet, smoky, and cheesy flavors
02 -
  • Contains dairy and wheat; check labels for BBQ sauce allergens
  • Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for even faster prep
03 -
  • Swap in smoked cheddar for added flavor
  • Add chipotle powder or hot sauce for spiciness
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