Pin 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 served this One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to my family on a busy weeknight. The aroma of BBQ sauce and bubbling cheese instantly filled our kitchen with comfort and excitement.
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
- Brown the 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 BBQ Sauce & Honey:
- Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken.
- Add Pasta & 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 with Cheese:
- Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season & Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
Pin 
The kids always ask for seconds and love sprinkling crispy onions on top themselves. It's become a comfort dinner tradition after soccer night.
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—check all labels carefully.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 670, Total Fat: 23 g, Carbohydrates: 74 g, Protein: 40 g
Pin This easy recipe guarantees creamy comfort and big flavor with every bite. Enjoy your one-pot honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese hot and fresh!
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I prevent the macaroni from sticking?
Stir occasionally while simmering to keep the pasta evenly coated and avoid sticking to the pot's bottom.
- → Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, adding pre-cooked chicken at the stage where BBQ sauce and honey are mixed keeps it tender and flavorful.
- → What cheeses work best for the sauce?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella melt well together, creating a creamy, smooth texture perfect for this dish.
- → How can I add extra smoky flavor?
Using smoked cheddar or adding a pinch of chipotle powder enhances the smoky notes beautifully.
- → Are there good topping options?
Crispy fried onions or bread crumbs add a pleasant crunch and contrast nicely with the creamy base.
- → Is this suitable for a quick weeknight meal?
Absolutely, with a total prep and cook time around 40 minutes, it’s an efficient, comforting choice.