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 first made this after a busy day when I needed something quick, but also satisfying, and the BBQ chicken with creamy cheese was a huge hit at my table. Everyone came back for seconds, which is always a good sign!
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
- Sear 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).
- Make Sauce:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken.
- Add Pasta and Liquids:
- Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged.
- Simmer:
- 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 and Serve:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Save This one-pot mac and cheese is a favorite after soccer games when everyone is hungry. We like to sprinkle the crispy onions on top together at the table.
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). Some BBQ sauces may have soy or gluten: always check ingredient lists if you have concerns.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g per serving
Save Serve this one-pot wonder piping hot and watch it disappear! Creamy, sweet and smoky—every bite feels like comfort.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of chicken works best?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced into small pieces cook evenly and absorb the BBQ sauce flavors well.
- → Can I use different cheeses?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide creaminess and flavor, but smoked cheddar or a blend with gouda can add extra smokiness.
- → How to adjust the sweetness level?
Modify honey quantity to taste or choose a sweeter or spicier BBQ sauce to balance the flavors.
- → Is one pot really enough?
Yes, all ingredients cook together in one large skillet or Dutch oven, combining flavors and minimizing dishes.
- → What toppings pair well?
Fresh parsley adds brightness, while crispy fried onions or bread crumbs provide crunchy contrast to the creamy dish.