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Honey BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese

Featured in: Simple Weeknight Meals

This creamy dish combines tender chicken tossed in smoky honey BBQ sauce with elbow macaroni simmered in chicken broth and milk. Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses melt into a rich sauce, creating a comforting, one-pot meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare. Garnished with fresh parsley and crispy onions for added texture, it balances smoky, sweet, and cheesy notes in every bite, perfect for a satisfying main dish.

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Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 16:01:00 GMT
One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, bubbling and cheesy with crispy onion topping, is ready to serve. Pin It
One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, bubbling and cheesy with crispy onion topping, is ready to serve. | juniperbite.com

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.

This recipe became an instant favorite the first time I served it for a casual weeknight dinner. The delicious blend of BBQ sauce and melty cheese was a hit with everyone at the table.

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

Sauté 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 Sauces:
Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken.
Add Pasta & Liquid:
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.
Add Cheese & Butter:
Stir in butter, cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Season:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat.
Garnish & Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.
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| juniperbite.com

We often make this dish when the whole family is together because it is filling and everyone loves mixing their own toppings on top of the creamy mac and cheese.

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. Always double-check ingredient labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 670, Total Fat 23 g, Carbohydrates 74 g, Protein 40 g

A hearty bowl of One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, showcasing the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Pin It
A hearty bowl of One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, showcasing the creamy sauce and tender chicken. | juniperbite.com

This mac and cheese is great for busy nights and even better as leftovers. Enjoy the sweet and smoky flavor with every creamy bite!

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese

Creamy mac with tender BBQ chicken and honey, cooked one pot for simplicity and great flavor.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Duration
40 minutes
Juniper Bite Chloe Fischer


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Serves 4 Number of Servings

Dietary Info None specified

What You’ll Need

Chicken

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
04 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce

01 1 cup BBQ sauce
02 2 tbsp honey

Pasta & Cheese

01 12 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
02 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 1 cup whole milk
04 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 2 tbsp unsalted butter

Topping (Optional)

01 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
02 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or bread crumbs

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.

Step 02

Add Sauce: Stir in BBQ sauce and honey. Cook for 2 minutes, coating the chicken evenly.

Step 03

Combine Pasta and Liquids: Add uncooked elbow macaroni, chicken broth, and whole milk. Stir to combine, ensuring pasta is submerged.

Step 04

Simmer Pasta: Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 05

Incorporate Cheese and Butter: Stir in unsalted butter, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses. Mix until fully melted and sauce is creamy.

Step 06

Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste, remove from heat, and garnish with chopped parsley and crispy fried onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.

Kitchen Gear Needed

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cheese grater

Allergen Details

Always check what goes in for allergens, and talk to your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy, wheat, and potential soy or gluten in BBQ sauce

Nutrition Information (each serving)

This info’s just a guide, not medical advice.
  • Calories: 670
  • Fats: 23 g
  • Carbohydrates: 74 g
  • Proteins: 40 g