One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac (Print View)

Creamy mac and cheese meets smoky BBQ chicken with a touch of honey, cooked together for easy serving.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 14 ounces), diced
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - Salt, to taste
06 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Sauce

07 - 1 cup BBQ sauce
08 - 2 tablespoons honey

→ Pasta & Cheese

09 - 12 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
10 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
11 - 1 cup whole milk
12 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
13 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
14 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Topping

15 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
16 - 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or bread crumbs

# Step-by-Step Directions:

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 chicken is lightly browned; do not cook through completely.
02 - Stir in BBQ sauce and honey, coating the chicken thoroughly. Cook for 2 minutes until the mixture is simmering.
03 - Add uncooked elbow macaroni, chicken broth, and whole milk. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
04 - Bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid has been absorbed.
05 - Stir in unsalted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and sauce is creamy.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat.
07 - Top with fresh chopped parsley and crispy fried onions or bread crumbs, if desired. Serve hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to pull together with minimal mess
  • The whole dish is layered with sweet smoky flavor
  • Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or family dinner
  • Uses simple ingredients you probably already have
  • Great for meal prep—leftovers taste just as delicious
02 -
  • Packed with protein and calcium
  • Freezes well for up to two months
  • Can be made with leftover rotisserie chicken
03 -
  • Shredding your own cheese makes the sauce smoother since pre-shredded cheese can be waxy
  • If you want even richer flavor brown the chicken a bit extra before adding BBQ sauce

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