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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup honey BBQ sauce - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. The elbow macaroni gives a nice shape. The chicken adds protein and flavor. Honey BBQ sauce brings sweetness to the dish. For cheese, I use sharp cheddar and mozzarella. They melt well and create a creamy texture. Cream cheese makes the sauce extra smooth. Garlic powder boosts the flavor. Panko breadcrumbs give a nice crunch on top. Olive oil helps the breadcrumbs brown nicely in the oven. Make sure you have everything ready. This way, the cooking will go smoothly. Enjoy your time in the kitchen! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a good amount of salt. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of elbow macaroni. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set it aside in a large mixing bowl. This helps keep the pasta from getting soggy. In a medium saucepan, combine 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of milk. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir it well until the cream cheese melts completely. Once it’s smooth, add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella. Stir until both cheeses melt into a creamy sauce. This sauce gives the dish its rich and cheesy flavor. In a large mixing bowl, mix 2 cups of shredded chicken with 1 cup of honey BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is fully coated with the sauce. Next, add the cooked macaroni and the creamy cheese sauce to the chicken bowl. Carefully mix everything together. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish with a little oil or cooking spray. Transfer the cheesy mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the top for a crunchy finish. Bake the dish for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling edges. Enjoy your delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! The best types of cheese for mac and cheese are sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Sharp cheddar gives a bold flavor. Mozzarella adds creaminess and stretch. For a richer taste, mix different cheeses. You can try gouda or fontina. These cheeses melt well and enhance the dish. Shredding chicken can be easy. Use two forks to pull apart the meat. Make sure to shred it into small pieces for better mixing. When it comes to honey BBQ sauce, look for brands like Sweet Baby Ray's or Stubb's. You can also make your own sauce. Combine honey, ketchup, and a bit of vinegar for a quick recipe. To coat panko breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil in a bowl. This helps them get crispy when baked. You can also use crushed crackers or cornflakes for crunch. Both give a nice texture on top of the mac and cheese. Pro Tips Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds delicious flavor. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix different types of cheese! Adding gouda or pepper jack can give a unique twist to the dish. Adjust BBQ Sauce: If you prefer a sweeter or spicier flavor, adjust the amount of honey BBQ sauce to suit your taste. Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for a quick meal! {{image_4}} For gluten-free options, you can swap elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty choices that cook up just right. If you're looking for vegan alternatives, use plant-based cheese and cream cheese. There are great brands available that melt well and taste great. To kick up the flavor, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder. These spices can give your dish a nice kick. You can also add veggies like spinach or bell peppers. They add color and nutrients to your meal. Just chop them finely and mix them in with your mac and cheese. Instead of chicken, you can use pulled pork or beef. Both options add a different twist to your dish. For a vegetarian version, consider soy products like tofu or tempeh. These options provide protein and keep the meal satisfying. To keep your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator right after it cools down. This helps keep the flavors intact. You can store it for up to three days. After that, the taste may fade. Make sure to label your container with the date you made it. When you reheat your mac and cheese, keep it from drying out. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Cover it with foil and heat for about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Just place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to two months in the freezer. When you want to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. For sides, a simple green salad works best. It adds a nice crunch to the meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for extra flavor. If you want to meal prep, this dish is great for busy weekdays. Make a big batch and store it in individual containers. This way, you have a quick meal ready to go. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. To do this, cook the pasta and mix all ingredients as outlined. Instead of baking, cover the dish and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake for 30-35 minutes. If you want to avoid drying, add a splash of milk before baking. This method keeps everything flavorful and ready when you are. I recommend using a honey BBQ sauce for this recipe. Look for brands that have a balanced sweetness and smokiness. Some great options include Sweet Baby Ray's Honey BBQ or KC Masterpiece Honey Barbecue Sauce. If you prefer, you can also make your own. Just mix ketchup, honey, vinegar, and spices to taste. This gives you full control over the flavor. Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use other pasta shapes too. Try shells, penne, or fusilli. Each type holds the cheese and sauce differently. For a fun twist, use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if needed. This keeps the recipe fresh and lets you customize it to your liking. Feel free to experiment! This recipe for Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines simple ingredients and easy steps. You learned how to cook pasta, prepare a creamy cheese sauce, and combine all flavors. I hope you feel ready to create your own tasty dish. Experiment with different cheeses or add veggies for a personal touch. Make it your own! Enjoy your cooking adventure and share the joy of this meal with others. Happy cooking!

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

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

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably honey-flavored)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring a generous amount of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese and milk. Stir continuously until the cream cheese completely melts and the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce, stirring until both cheeses are fully melted and integrated into the creamy mixture. Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, adjusting to your preferred taste.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with your chosen honey BBQ sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce.
  • To the bowl with the chicken and BBQ mixture, add the cooked elbow macaroni followed by the prepared cheese sauce. Carefully stir everything until the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the creamy mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
  • In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until the breadcrumbs are coated with oil. Evenly sprinkle the seasoned panko mixture over the top of the mac and cheese for a crispy finish.
  • Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbling slightly.
  • Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Just before serving, sprinkle the finely chopped green onions over the top for a fresh and colorful finish.

Notes

Pair this hearty macaroni and cheese with a simple green salad for a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, comfort food, mac and cheese