One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac

This one-pot honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese is pure comfort—creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with smoky&sweet BBQ chicken. The best part is that every step happens in a single pot, making clean-up a breeze for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

I made it for a game night and both adults and kids nearly licked their bowls clean. The combo of gooey cheese and BBQ chicken makes everyone ask for seconds.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast: Adds plenty of lean protein and soaks up the BBQ flavor. Look for plump, fresh chicken breasts for best texture
• Olive oil: Gets the chicken sizzling and helps blend the spices
• Smoked paprika: Infuses smoky depth use fresh paprika for vibrant flavor
• Garlic powder: Adds savory punch. Go for pure garlic powder without fillers
• Salt and black pepper: Classic seasoning essential for roundness
• BBQ sauce: Pick your favorite style for signature tang use one with real sugar or molasses for a richer finish
• Honey: Balances the BBQ and cheese with natural sweetness
• Elbow macaroni: Holds sauce perfectly pick a quality pasta for perfect bite
• Low-sodium chicken broth: Makes the cheese sauce ultra flavorful without over-salting
• Whole milk: The key to the creamy texture use milk with a good fat content
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Packs strong cheesy taste grate it fresh for best melt
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly for a stretchy sauce
• Unsalted butter: Rounds out flavor and texture choose good-quality
• Chopped fresh parsley: For garnish and a pop of color use fresh leaves
• Crispy fried onions or bread crumbs: Adds crunch to finish pick crunchy brands or toast your own

Instructions

Prep the Chicken:

Dice the chicken breasts into even pieces for quick and even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely in the pan.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat olive oil over medium&high in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add chicken pieces and sprinkle smoked paprika garlic powder salt and black pepper. Sauté for about four to five minutes until they begin to brown on the edges. The goal is good color not fully cooked through at this stage.

Add BBQ Sauce and Honey:

Pour in the BBQ sauce and drizzle the honey over the chicken. Stir well to coat every piece. Cook about two minutes so the sauce begins to caramelize and cling to the chicken.

Combine Pasta Liquid and Chicken:

Add the uncooked elbow macaroni chicken broth and whole milk. Stir to be sure every pasta piece is submerged and evenly distributed with chicken. Scrape the bottom so nothing sticks.

Simmer the Mac and Cheese:

Bring the mixture just to a boil then reduce heat to medium&low. Cover the pot and cook about ten to twelve minutes stirring every few minutes. The pasta should be al dente and most of the liquid absorbed.

Finish with Cheese and Butter:

Remove the lid and stir in butter shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Mix patiently until everything melts and the sauce becomes glossy and creamy.

Taste and Serve:

Sample and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed. Spoon into bowls while piping hot. Garnish with fresh parsley and crunchy topping if desired.

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My favorite ingredient has to be the sharp cheddar. When it melts into the sweet and smoky sauce it brings everything together. One time my niece helped me stir in the cheese and she was amazed at how fast it disappeared into the silky sauce.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge for three days. Store in airtight containers and reheat gently with a splash of milk for creamy results. Avoid microwaving on high to keep the cheese texture smooth.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap mozzarella for Monterey Jack if you want added stretchiness. Use spicy BBQ sauce or chipotle in adobo for heat. Gluten&free pasta transforms this for allergy needs. You can easily swap in turkey or plant-based protein for the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Pile on extra crispy onions or use toasted panko bread crumbs for crunch. Serve alongside a fresh green salad to balance richness. Add a drizzle of extra honey or BBQ sauce on each plate right before serving for extra punch.

Cultural and Historical Notes

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food in the US often tied to Southern cooking and hearty gatherings. Adding BBQ chicken and honey blends beloved American flavor traditions in a dish that tastes familiar but playful.

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Enjoy every spoonful of this creamy BBQ chicken mac and cheese. Leftovers will taste just as good for lunch the next day.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use different types of cheese?

Feel free to substitute with your favorite cheeses, such as smoked cheddar or Monterey Jack, for added flavor.

→ Is it possible to use leftover chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken works well—simply add it at the step where the BBQ sauce and honey are stirred in.

→ How can I make it spicier?

For extra heat, use spicy BBQ sauce or add a dash of hot sauce when mixing in the sauce ingredients.

→ Are there gluten-free options?

Use gluten-free macaroni and check the BBQ sauce label for any gluten-containing ingredients to make it gluten-free.

→ What does the crispy topping add?

Crispy fried onions or bread crumbs provide a delightful crunch and extra flavor contrast to the creamy dish.

→ Can this be made ahead?

You can prepare in advance and reheat gently, adding more milk to maintain creaminess if needed.