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 made this dish on a busy weeknight and was amazed how simple it was to cook everything in a single pot. Everyone came back for seconds—the honey BBQ chicken makes it 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
- 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.
- Add Pasta, Broth, and Milk:
- Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged.
- Cook Pasta:
- 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.
- Finish with Cheese:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season and Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
- Garnish:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save Whenever my family smells BBQ and cheese melting together in the kitchen, they hurry to the table. This mac and cheese is now a weeknight favorite everyone looks forward to.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven; wooden spoon or spatula; measuring cups and spoons; cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten; always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g (per serving)
Save This one-pot mac and cheese always disappears fast. The sweet, smoky sauce and creamy cheese makes every bite delicious.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken can be added in step 2 to save time while still infusing smoky and honey flavors.
- → How do I achieve a smokier flavor?
Substitute sharp cheddar with smoked cheddar or add chipotle powder for an extra smoky kick.
- → What can be used as toppings?
Optional toppings include chopped fresh parsley and crispy fried onions or bread crumbs for added texture.
- → Is it possible to make this spicier?
Yes, use spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce to introduce heat to the dish.
- → What type of pan works best?
A large deep skillet or Dutch oven is recommended to cook all ingredients evenly in one pot.