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- 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce - 1 cup honey - 2 tablespoons butter - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/2 cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup green onions, chopped - 1/4 cup breadcrumbs This dish combines sweet and smoky flavors with creamy cheese. The elbow macaroni provides a fun texture. You can use any chicken you like, but shredded works best. I love using my favorite BBQ sauce for a personal touch. Honey adds a sweet glaze that makes this dish shine. For the dairy, I choose sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. They melt well and create that creamy cheese sauce we all crave. Cream cheese helps to keep the sauce thick and rich. Don't forget the milk to help blend everything smoothly. Seasoning is key. Garlic and onion powder add depth. Adjust salt and pepper to fit your taste. Finally, use green onions for a fresh crunch and breadcrumbs for a crispy topping. This will make your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese a hit with the whole family! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Bring salted water to a boil. - Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Start by boiling water. Make sure to add enough salt to the water. This helps flavor the pasta. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni. Cook it until it is firm but not hard. This is called al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. - Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and honey. In a bowl, take your shredded chicken. I like to use leftover chicken for this. Add your favorite BBQ sauce and honey. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated. This gives a sweet and tangy flavor to the chicken. - Melt butter and cream cheese. - Gradually add milk and cheeses. Now, grab a large saucepan. Melt some butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the cream cheese. Stir until it becomes creamy. Next, slowly pour in the milk while stirring. This helps avoid lumps. After that, add sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. - Stir in cooked macaroni and BBQ chicken mixture. Take the cooked macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce. Then, gently mix in the BBQ chicken. Make sure everything is combined well. This is where the magic happens, as all flavors blend together. - Preheat oven and prepare baking dish. - Add breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish. If you like, mix breadcrumbs with a bit of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the mac and cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Enjoy the smell that fills your kitchen! To make a smooth cheese sauce, stir often. This helps mix the ingredients well. Start by melting the butter and cream cheese together. Then, add the milk slowly while stirring. Once smooth, add your cheeses. I suggest using sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. They melt well and give great flavor. You can cook chicken in many ways. Grilling or baking are great options. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick fix. To shred chicken easily, use two forks. Hold one fork steady and pull the chicken apart with the other. This method works well and saves time. For a fun presentation, serve the mac and cheese in bowls. Drizzle with extra honey BBQ sauce for added flavor. You can also sprinkle chopped green onions on top. This adds color and crunch. Consider using a baking dish for family-style serving, too. It makes it easy for everyone to help themselves! Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It saves time and adds great flavor! Customize Your BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces like spicy, smoky, or even mustard-based to create a unique flavor profile for your mac and cheese. Add Veggies: Incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or even jalapeños to enhance the nutrition and texture of your dish. Make Ahead: Prepare the mac and cheese in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to serve for a quick meal! {{image_2}} You can switch things up by using pulled pork or beef. This gives a new twist to the dish. For pulled pork, use the same BBQ sauce and honey blend. Shred the pork, mix, and follow the same steps. If you choose beef, opt for ground beef or shredded brisket. Cook it well before mixing it into the cheese sauce. Both options bring rich flavors that your family will love. Making a meatless version is easy and tasty. You can use mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead of meat. Chop up mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them until soft and mix them into the cheese sauce. This adds a nice texture and flavor. You can also add beans for protein. Black beans or chickpeas work well here. This way, you keep it filling and delicious without meat. To boost the flavor, try adding spices or sauces. For a spicy kick, mix in some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. If you like a sweeter taste, add more honey or some maple syrup. You can also experiment with different BBQ sauces. Each type brings its own unique flavor. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This makes the dish pop with color and taste. You can store Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for later meals. If you want to freeze leftovers, let the dish cool completely first. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to three months. To prevent freezer burn, seal it tightly. Label it with the date and name for easy access later. To reheat, first, take it out of the fridge or freezer. If frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, place it in a baking dish. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat it in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes. For the best texture, stir it halfway through. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals. Just add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Yes, you can mix and match your cheese! Sharp cheddar gives a nice kick. Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Try gouda for a smoky flavor. You can also use mozzarella for a stretchier texture. Just ensure you have at least one cheese that melts well. This keeps your dish creamy and cheesy. Pair this dish with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad works great. You might also enjoy some garlic bread or roasted vegetables. Corn on the cob adds a sweet touch. If you want crunch, try serving it with coleslaw. These sides balance the rich flavors of the mac and cheese. Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese a day before. Just follow the steps until baking, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for about 30 minutes. Bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed. This way, you save time on busy days! This blog post details a delicious Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe. You learned about the main ingredients, how to cook them, and what makes a great cheese sauce. I shared tips for perfecting your dish and offered variations for different tastes. Remember, cooking is fun and personal. Feel free to experiment with flavors to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking and impress your friends and family with this tasty meal!

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

A delicious and creamy mac and cheese dish with shredded chicken, honey, and BBQ sauce.
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
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 2 cream cheese, softened
  • 1 2 milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 0.25 cup green onions, chopped
  • 0.25 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and honey until well coated. Set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in cream cheese until melted and creamy. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly.
  • Once the mixture is smooth, add sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, continuing to stir until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the cooked macaroni and the BBQ chicken mixture to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine evenly.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with a little melted butter (if desired) and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

Serve in individual bowls or family-style; drizzle with extra honey BBQ sauce for added flavor.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, honey, mac and cheese