Pin it A comforting, creamy mac and cheese loaded with tender BBQ chicken and a touch of honey for sweet, smoky flavor&mdashall made in one pot for easy cleanup.
This dish quickly became a family favorite because of its balance of sweet and smoky flavors combined with creamy cheese.
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
- Step 1:
- 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)
- Step 2:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes coating the chicken
- Step 3:
- Add the uncooked macaroni chicken broth and milk. Stir to combine ensuring the pasta is submerged
- Step 4:
- 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
- Step 5:
- Stir in butter cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy
- Step 6:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat
- Step 7:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot
Pin it We enjoy this meal together every week as it brings comfort and smiles around the table.
Notes
Using topping with crispy onions adds great crunch and texture to the dish.
Allergen Information
Contains Dairy (milk cheese butter) Wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten check labels if concerned.
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 670 total fat 23 g carbohydrates 74 g protein 40 g
Pin it This comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and is sure to become a favorite in your home.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use leftover chicken for this dish?
Yes, leftover or rotisserie chicken can be added after glazing with BBQ sauce and honey to save time.
- → What type of cheese works best for melting?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella melt smoothly, creating a creamy sauce with a balanced flavor.
- → Is smoked paprika essential?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth, enhancing the dish's BBQ character, but can be omitted if unavailable.
- → How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking?
Stir occasionally during simmering and ensure enough liquid covers the pasta to avoid sticking or burning.
- → Can I make this dish spicier?
Incorporate spicy BBQ sauce or a dash of hot sauce to add heat without altering texture.
- → What can I use as a topping for extra crunch?
Crispy fried onions or bread crumbs add texture and a satisfying crunch when sprinkled on top before serving.