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- 8 ounces elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup whole milk - 1 cup honey BBQ sauce - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and freshly ground black pepper - ½ cup seasoned breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley This recipe shines with its simple yet flavorful ingredients. First, the elbow macaroni serves as the perfect base. It holds the creamy sauce well, making each bite enjoyable. I like to use rotisserie chicken for ease. It saves time and adds great flavor. For the cheese, I use sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang, while mozzarella adds creaminess. Together, they create a rich, gooey texture that you will love. The sauce combines milk and honey BBQ sauce. This mix brings a sweet and savory taste. The butter and flour help thicken it into a creamy sauce that coats your pasta and chicken perfectly. Seasonings are key. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Lastly, the seasoned breadcrumbs on top add a crunchy finish. The parsley not only adds color but also freshness. With these ingredients, you create a dish that is hearty and comforting. It's perfect for a weeknight meal and sure to please everyone at your table. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. This adds flavor to the pasta. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside in a bowl. Next, you will need a medium saucepan. Over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. After it melts, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Keep whisking for about 2 minutes until it turns smooth and light golden. Then, slowly add 1 cup of whole milk while whisking. Stir for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy texture. Now, take the saucepan off the heat. Add 1 cup each of shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt and blend smoothly. Next, fold in 1 cup of honey BBQ sauce. Make sure it mixes well with the cheese. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and the creamy cheese mixture. Use a spatula to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter. Pour the entire mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. For the topping, mix ½ cup of seasoned breadcrumbs with a splash of olive oil or melted butter in a small bowl. This will give your topping a nice crunch. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes. Look for a golden brown and crispy top before taking it out. To avoid lumps in your cheese sauce, whisk the flour and spices into the melted butter well. This step is key. When you add milk, do it slowly. Whisk constantly to keep it smooth. If you find lumps, use an immersion blender to fix it. For a creamy texture, cook the sauce over medium heat. Stir often, so it doesn't stick. Once the sauce thickens, remove it from the heat before adding cheese. This step helps the cheese melt evenly. You can use different types of cheese to change the flavor. Gouda or pepper jack adds a nice twist. You might also try cream cheese for extra creaminess. Mix and match to find your favorite blend. If you want to swap out proteins, shredded pork or turkey works well. For a veggie option, try adding steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms. This adds flavor and color. For garnishes, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds a nice pop of color. You could also drizzle more honey BBQ sauce for extra sweetness. When serving a crowd, use a large baking dish. Scoop portions into bowls for easy serving. This way, guests can dish out their own servings. It makes the meal feel more casual and fun. Pro Tips Cheese Choices: For added depth, consider mixing in some smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese along with the cheddar and mozzarella. Chicken Variations: Use leftover turkey or even cooked sausage for a different flavor profile in your mac and cheese. Breadcrumb Topping: For extra flavor, combine the breadcrumbs with some grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herbs before sprinkling on top. Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the mac and cheese in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook. {{image_4}} You can easily swap chicken for vegetables. Use bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for a great taste. Roast the veggies first to enhance their flavor. Mix them into the cheese sauce and pasta for a hearty meal. This version is just as creamy and satisfying. For a kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce. Chop fresh jalapeños and mix them into the cheese sauce. You can also drizzle hot sauce on top before baking. This adds heat and depth to your mac and cheese. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Instead of chicken, try using pulled pork. This gives the dish a smoky flavor. Simply fold in the pulled pork with the cheeses and BBQ sauce. The tender meat pairs well with the creamy sauce. You’ll get a delicious twist on the classic recipe. To keep your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese fresh, follow these steps: - Let it cool to room temperature before storing. - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors intact. Reheat portions in the microwave. Cover with a lid or paper towel to prevent splatters. Stir halfway through for even heating. You can freeze this dish for later enjoyment. Here’s how: - Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely. - Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. - Seal tightly and label with the date. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat: - Thaw in the fridge overnight. - Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 25-30 minutes. This method keeps it creamy and delicious. How long will Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese last? - In the fridge, it lasts about three days. - In the freezer, it stays good for up to three months. Always check for signs of spoilage, like odd smells or changes in texture. Proper storage helps maintain taste and quality, making it a great meal option for busy nights. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Some great alternatives include: - Penne - Fusilli - Shells - Rotini These shapes hold sauce well and add fun texture. If you need a substitute, consider these options: - Homemade BBQ sauce with honey - Store-bought BBQ sauce mixed with honey - Sweet chili sauce for a twist These options keep the sweet and tangy flavor. To prepare in advance, follow these tips: 1. Cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce. 2. Mix in chicken and BBQ sauce with pasta. 3. Transfer to the baking dish but do not bake yet. 4. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to eat, bake straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. We covered how to make a delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. You now know the key ingredients, steps, and tips to create a creamy dish. Remember, you can customize it with different cheeses or proteins. Try the vegetarian or spicy versions for new flavors. Store leftovers well, and enjoy them later. This dish is perfect for sharing with family or friends. You have everything needed to make this recipe a hit every time. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight

A creamy and cheesy mac and cheese dish with shredded chicken and a sweet honey BBQ sauce, topped with crunchy breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions, typically about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in flour, garlic powder, and onion powder. Continue to whisk for about 2 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and takes on a light golden hue.
  • Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for approximately 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until fully melted and the mixture is smooth. Fold in the honey BBQ sauce, ensuring that it blends seamlessly into the cheese blend.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and the creamy cheese mixture. Use a spatula to gently but thoroughly coat all ingredients. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
  • In a small bowl, mix the seasoned breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter until evenly coated. This will add a lovely crunch to your topping. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly across the surface of the mac and cheese.
  • Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the topping is a beautiful golden brown and crispy.
  • Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Before serving, garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Serve directly from the baking dish for a rustic presentation.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, comfort food, mac and cheese