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To make Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, gather these key ingredients: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup honey - 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 tablespoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch) - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and flavorful dish. The elbow macaroni provides the perfect base. The chicken adds protein and a hearty touch. The BBQ sauce and honey bring sweetness and tang, balancing the flavors. The cheese varieties create a creamy texture that coats every bite. I love using a mix of cheddar and cream cheese for a rich taste. The spices, like garlic and smoked paprika, enhance the overall flavor. You can also add breadcrumbs for a crunchy top. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a nice flavor boost. This combination makes Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese a comforting dish everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, not mushy. After cooking, drain the macaroni and set it aside. In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken, 1 cup of BBQ sauce, and 1 cup of honey. Stir until the chicken is fully coated in the sweet and tangy mix. This will add great flavor to your dish. Next, grab a large saucepan. Over medium heat, add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir it until it melts and becomes smooth. Gradually add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely. You want a rich, creamy sauce. Now, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the cooked macaroni and the BBQ chicken mixture. Mix gently until everything is fully combined. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Spread it evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese. If you like crunch, add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs on top. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and a golden crust. After baking, let the dish cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle. For a fresh touch, sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy this comfort dish with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for fun! To make Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese just right, adjusting seasonings is key. Start with the garlic powder and onion powder. If you want more zing, add a little extra. For a smoky taste, sprinkle in more smoked paprika. Taste the mixture before baking. This lets you fix any flavors to your liking. Remember, the BBQ sauce and honey add sweetness, so balance is important. If it’s too sweet, a pinch of salt can help. You can cook this dish two main ways: stovetop or baking. Using the stovetop makes for a quick meal. Just mix everything in a pot and serve. However, baking gives a nice crunchy top. If you choose to bake, make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures the cheese melts well and creates a golden crust. Baking takes about 25-30 minutes. It’s worth the wait for that delicious finish! When serving, presentation matters. Use colorful bowls to make the dish pop. Drizzle some extra BBQ sauce on top for style. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a nice touch and a pop of color. If you want to add side dishes, a simple green salad works great. It balances the rich and creamy mac and cheese. You can also serve it with cornbread for a cozy meal. Enjoy your tasty creation! Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe, saving you time and adding flavor. Customize the BBQ Sauce: Feel free to experiment with different BBQ sauces for a unique flavor profile that suits your palate. Add Vegetables: Incorporate veggies like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrition and color in your dish. Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve! {{image_4}} To make Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer a great variety. Just cook them like regular pasta. The texture stays similar, and the flavors shine through. You won’t miss the gluten at all. You can add more to this dish! Try mixing in veggies like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers. Also, think about proteins. You might swap chicken for shrimp or turkey. Each choice adds a new twist to the flavor. Plus, it boosts the nutrition too! Experimenting with cheese can enhance your mac and cheese. You could try mozzarella for a stretchy texture or gouda for a smoky taste. Mixing different cheeses can create a complex flavor profile. Choose your favorites and enjoy the creative process! To store leftovers, let the dish cool down first. Place the Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep the flavors fresh. This dish will stay good in the fridge for about three to four days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, you can take it out and reheat it. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the mac and cheese cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. This dish can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To warm up your leftovers, use the oven or the microwave. If using the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you use the microwave, put it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between, until it’s hot. Enjoy your tasty meal! Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge. To keep it safe, store it in an airtight container. Make sure it cools before you seal it. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can spoil the dish faster. Always check for signs of spoilage, like off smells or unusual colors, before eating. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the mac and cheese, then let it cool. Place it in a covered dish and store it in the fridge. You can bake it later, which saves time on busy days. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge. If you don’t have BBQ sauce, don’t worry. You can use other sauces like teriyaki or honey mustard. You can also mix ketchup with a little vinegar and honey for a quick substitute. Experiment with flavors to find what you like best. The goal is to keep that sweet and tangy taste. Yes, you can make a vegetarian version. Simply replace the chicken with your favorite veggies or plant-based protein. Try using mushrooms, bell peppers, or even lentils for a hearty bite. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors rich. This way, everyone can enjoy this comfort dish. This blog post covered a tasty Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe. We explored the simple ingredients, like elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, and cheese. I shared easy steps from cooking the pasta to baking the dish. You also learned handy tips for flavor, storage, and even variations for different diets. Now, you can enjoy a comforting meal that’s quick to make. Try these ideas, get creative, and enjoy your cooking!

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

A delicious and creamy mac and cheese dish with shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and honey, topped with cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup honey
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the macaroni and set aside.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce and honey. Stir well until the chicken is evenly coated in the sweet and tangy sauce.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth. Gradually incorporate 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring consistently until fully melted and the sauce is luxuriously creamy.
  • In the saucepan with the cheese sauce, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Fold in the cooked macaroni and the BBQ chicken mixture, stirring gently until fully combined and coated.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a generously greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and add breadcrumbs on top if you desire an extra crunchy texture.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and a delightful golden brown.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. For a fresh touch, garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Serve portions in vibrant bowls and drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce on top for a visually appealing touch, along with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, comfort food, mac and cheese