Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

This honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe brings together the best of two comfort food classics in one crave worthy dish, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy Sunday dinners. Ready in just about 1 hour from start to finish, it features juicy chicken tossed in sweet smoky honey BBQ sauce with creamy cheddar macaroni for a hearty, high protein meal. Whether you are searching for an easy homemade mac and cheese variation or a new way to use up leftover barbecue chicken, this approachable recipe always delivers rich flavor and warm, cheesy satisfaction for the whole family.

I first whipped up this honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese after a backyard barbecue when we had extra grilled chicken and homemade sauce to use up. The combination of smoky barbecue flavors with creamy cheddar sauce quickly became my kids’ favorite, and now it’s a top dinner request when everyone wants comfort food with a twist. Every bite is packed with saucy, cheesy goodness and makes for a fun, crowd pleasing meal—especially during cooler months when oven baked mac and cheese is a must in our house.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Aim for about 1.5 pounds for a high protein, lean base that shreds beautifully after cooking; fresh or thawed chicken works best but rotisserie leftovers can be swapped if needed
• Honey BBQ sauce: Delivers the signature sweet and smoky taste; a favorite brand or homemade sauce is suggested, with the option to try spicy for extra kick
• Elbow macaroni: Holds the creamy cheese sauce in every bite; classic wheat, gluten free, or chickpea pasta all work well as substitutes
• Sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded: Bold, tangy flavor and perfect meltability, better than pre-shredded bagged cheese for a smooth sauce
• Whole milk: Ensures a creamy blend without greasiness; substitute half-and-half for extra richness or non dairy milk for allergy needs
• Unsalted butter: Adds flavor and prevents sticking when searing the chicken; use olive oil if preferred
• Salt and pepper: Balances every layer; adjust to taste especially with varied BBQ sauce brands
• Optional toppings (green onions, bacon, extra cheddar): Finish with a pop of freshness and added crunch, making each serving restaurant worthy

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Cook the Macaroni for the Creamiest Taste:

Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, stirring immediately to prevent sticking. Boil for about 7 minutes or just until al dente—the noodles should hold their shape but keep a tiny bite in the center. Drain quickly in a colander and rinse with hot water to remove excess starch. Set aside so they do not overcook before combining.

Sauté and Cook the Chicken Until Tender:

Trim fat from chicken breasts and pat dry for a perfect sear. Season all sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat until it foams. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6 to 8 minutes per side, turning once, until golden brown with an internal temperature of 165°F. If the pan dries, add a splash of water to deglaze. Let chicken rest on a plate 5 minutes before shredding with two forks into bite sized pieces for perfect texture.

Add Honey BBQ Sauce for Bold Flavor:

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of honey BBQ sauce and a small splash of whole milk to thin. Add in the shredded chicken and toss to coat every strand in sauce. This step guarantees each bite gets sweet and tangy barbecue flavor throughout the mac and cheese.

Mix Everything for Cheesy Goodness:

Return macaroni to the pot or a large bowl. Add BBQ chicken mixture and 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar. Stir thoroughly to partially melt cheese while pasta is warm. Pour in 1 cup whole milk and mix well for a creamy base that bakes up soft, ensuring the sauce stays rich, not dry.

Bake Until Bubbly and Golden on Top:

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2 quart baking dish. Spread mac and cheese mixture evenly in the dish and top generously with more shredded cheddar if desired. Bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling at edges and golden on top, or broil briefly for added color—watch closely to avoid burning the cheese.

Add Toppings and Serve Hot:

Let the casserole rest 5 minutes after baking before serving. Garnish with green onions, crispy bacon, or a sprinkle of extra cheddar for extra flavor and texture. Serve immediately while hot and cheesy for the best experience.

One of my favorite discoveries with this recipe was how a dash of smoked paprika takes the barbecue flavor up a notch, layering even more depth into each creamy bite. My whole family gets involved with toppings—my kids sprinkle on extra cheese while I love a handful of fresh green onions on top. Whether we are making this in winter or for a summer gathering, everyone finds a way to make this mac and cheese their own.

Smart Swaps and Variations

This honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese adapts easily to your pantry and dietary needs. Leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey can be swapped for the chicken breasts for even faster prep, while cooked barbecue pulled pork offers a richer, southern style alternative. Try brown rice or chickpea elbows for a gluten free option, and add steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables if you want extra color and nutrition. For a Tex Mex twist, stir in roasted corn or diced bell peppers before baking for more complexity and natural sweetness.

How to Store and Reheat Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

To store, let the mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer portions to tightly sealed glass containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days for best flavor and texture. For meal prepping ahead, freeze in single serve or family size portions using freezer safe containers or heavy duty wrap, up to 2 months. Thaw frozen mac overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or covered in a 325°F oven, stirring in a splash of milk to revive creamy texture and avoid drying out the cheese sauce.

What to Serve with Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Pair this rich honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese with crisp green salads topped in lemon vinaigrette or simple roasted vegetables for color and crunch. Southern style side dishes like creamy coleslaw, garlic bread, or crispy potatoes bring extra comfort and are always a hit with crowds. For special occasions or parties, serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins and finish with fresh chives or parsley for an inviting, restaurant style presentation.

Nutritional Benefits

This honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese delivers a notable protein boost from chicken and real cheddar cheese, giving you sustained energy for busy days. It is naturally nut free and easy to make gluten free by choosing the right pasta, so it works well for many dietary preferences. Home cooking this dish allows you to reduce sodium or use lower fat cheese and milk for a lighter version while still keeping the comforting, creamy flavor everyone loves.

Recipe Success Tips

If your cheese sauce seems too thick before baking, simply stir in a small splash of milk to loosen it up and guarantee creaminess. Always shred your own cheese for better melting and superior flavor, since pre-shredded cheese often contains anti clumping additives that affect texture. If you crave a golden, caramelized crust on top, place the finished casserole under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes while watching carefully so it does not scorch.

This honey BBQ chicken mac and cheese brings bold flavor and cozy comfort to your table any night, offering crowd pleasing results even for picky eaters. Give it a try for your next family dinner or gathering and enjoy how easy it is to customize this classic favorite.

Common Questions About This Recipe

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option. Simply shred and mix with BBQ sauce before adding to the macaroni and cheese mixture.

→ What type of cheese works best for this dish?

Sharp cheddar offers maximum flavor, but a blend with mozzarella or Monterey Jack adds more creaminess and meltability.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can assemble everything up to the baking step, refrigerate, then bake just before serving for best taste and texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.

→ Are there options for lowering the fat content?

For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk, or swap some cheese for Greek yogurt for added creaminess without extra fat.