One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken

Featured in: Weeknight Spoonfuls

This creamy dish blends tender BBQ-seasoned chicken with a touch of honey for a balanced sweet and smoky profile. Elbow macaroni cooks directly in a flavorful mixture of chicken broth and milk, absorbing all the rich tastes. Melted sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses create a luscious sauce, finished with optional fresh parsley and crispy onions for texture. The one-pot method simplifies preparation and cleanup, making it ideal for a satisfying, comforting meal any day.

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By Sophie Daniels

Updated on Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:59:00 GMT

Warm, creamy One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, bubbling and ready to serve, a perfect comfort food. | cookinget.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.

I first made this dish for a busy weeknight when everyone wanted both BBQ chicken and mac and cheese. It was a huge hit, and now we crave it every time the weather gets cooler!

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. Saute for 4–5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned. It does not need to be fully cooked through yet.
Coat in Sauce:: 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.
Finish & Serve:: Taste and adjust seasoning. Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley and crispy onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve hot.

The kids love scooping up big spoonfuls and watching the cheese stretch. Sharing this meal always leads to laughter around the table!

Required Tools

You will need a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, wooden spoon or spatula, measuring cups and spoons, and a cheese grater if shredding cheese fresh.

Allergen Information

This dish contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may also contain soy or gluten—always check ingredient labels.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

This One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese brings both comfort and fun to any dinner. Enjoy every spoonful right out of the pot!

One-Pot Honey BBQ Chicken

Creamy mac with tender BBQ chicken and honey, cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.

Prep Duration

15 minutes

Time to Cook

25 minutes

Overall Time

40 minutes

Recipe by Sophie Daniels

Type Weeknight Spoonfuls

Skill Difficulty Easy

Cuisine American

Output 4 Portion Count

Diet Preferences None specified

What You'll Need

Chicken

01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced (approximately 14 oz)

02 1 tablespoon olive oil

03 ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

04 ½ teaspoon garlic powder

05 Salt and black pepper, to taste

Sauce

01 1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred style)

02 2 tablespoons honey

Pasta & Cheese

01 12 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni

02 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

03 1 cup whole milk

04 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (7 oz)

05 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (3.5 oz)

06 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Topping (Optional)

01 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

02 ¼ cup crispy fried onions or bread crumbs (0.9 oz)

Directions

Step 01

Sauté 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. Cook 4 to 5 minutes until chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked through.

Step 02

Add BBQ sauce and honey: Stir in BBQ sauce and honey, cooking for 2 minutes to evenly coat the chicken.

Step 03

Combine pasta and liquids: Add the uncooked macaroni, chicken broth, and whole milk. Stir well to ensure the pasta is fully submerged.

Step 04

Simmer until pasta is tender: 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 of the liquid has been absorbed.

Step 05

Incorporate butter and cheeses: Stir in butter, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella until the cheese melts completely and the mixture is creamy.

Step 06

Adjust seasoning and finish: Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat.

Step 07

Garnish and serve: Top with chopped fresh parsley and crispy fried onions or bread crumbs if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Essential Tools

Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens. Ask a medical expert when uncertain.

Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and wheat (macaroni). BBQ sauce may contain soy or gluten; verify labels.

Nutrition Facts (per portion)

These numbers offer reference only, not medical guidance.

Energy Value: 670
Fats: 23 g
Carbohydrates: 74 g
Proteins: 40 g