One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac (Printable Version)

Creamy mac and cheese blended with honey-glazed BBQ chicken in a one-pot comfort dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

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

→ Sauce

06 - 1 cup BBQ sauce (240 ml)
07 - 2 tablespoons honey

→ Pasta & Cheese

08 - 12 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked)
09 - 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (720 ml)
10 - 1 cup whole milk (240 ml)
11 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200 g)
12 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (100 g)
13 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Topping (Optional)

14 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
15 - 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or bread crumbs (25 g)

# How To Make It:

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 but not fully cooked.
02 - Stir in BBQ sauce and honey, cooking for 2 minutes until chicken is coated and sauce is warmed.
03 - Add uncooked elbow macaroni, chicken broth, and whole milk. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is fully submerged.
04 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid has been absorbed.
05 - Stir in unsalted butter, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until cheese melts completely and sauce achieves a creamy consistency.
06 - Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • One-pot meal for simple preparation and easy cleanup
  • Perfectly creamy and loaded with flavor from honey and BBQ chicken
02 -
  • Contains dairy and wheat so check your ingredient labels for any allergens if needed
  • Making this all in one pot means less time spent cleaning up after dinner
03 -
  • Use smoked cheddar or add chipotle powder for a smoky twist
  • Rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works great just stir it in with the BBQ sauce
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