There’s nothing quite like the moment when comfort food meets bold flavors, and that’s exactly what happens when you combine the creamy richness of mac and cheese with tender, honey-glazed BBQ chicken. This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese recipe transforms two beloved classics into one show-stopping dish that’ll have your family asking for seconds before they’ve finished their first helping. The sweet and smoky honey barbecue sauce perfectly complements the velvety cheese sauce, creating a harmony of flavors that’s simply irresistible.
Whether you’re hosting a weekend gathering, looking for the perfect comfort food dinner, or wanting to elevate your regular mac and cheese game, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It’s surprisingly easy to make, requires ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and can be prepared in under an hour. The combination of crispy chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and that golden, bubbly cheese topping makes this dish a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that rivals any restaurant version, including popular variations like Applebees Mac And Cheese Honey Chicken.
Recipe Information
Difficulty: Easy
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6-8 people
Cost: Affordable to Medium
Ingredients for Honey BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil for frying
For the Honey BBQ Sauce:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- Fresh chives for garnish
Equipment Required
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet for cooking chicken
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Tongs
- Aluminum foil
Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the cheese sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While pasta cooks, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture until evenly coated. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken pieces for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Step 3: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, barbecue sauce, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Pour this mixture over the cooked chicken in the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cream cheese until smooth. Add cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Stir until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce in a large bowl, mixing until pasta is evenly coated. Gently fold in the honey BBQ chicken, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Success:
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for the smoothest, creamiest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Don’t overcook the pasta initially, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Al dente pasta holds its shape better and provides the perfect texture.
- Let the dish rest after baking. This allows the cheese sauce to thicken properly and makes serving much easier.
- For extra flavor depth, try marinating the chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating and cooking.
Delicious Variations:
- Honey Pepper Chicken Mac And Cheese: Add 1 tablespoon of freshly cracked black pepper to the honey BBQ sauce for a spicy kick that mimics the popular Applebees Honey Pepper Chicken.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese: Replace the honey BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and add a handful of crumbled blue cheese to the cheese sauce for a tangy twist.
- Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese: Substitute the BBQ sauce with garlic butter and add extra honey for a sweeter, more aromatic version.
- Crockpot Version: For a Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese or BBQ version, cook everything in your slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
Storage and Serving Suggestions:
- Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days in airtight containers. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave individual portions.
- Freeze portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, pickles, or corn on the cob for a true BBQ experience.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 680
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fat: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 890mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
The Perfect Comfort Food Experience
This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese recipe represents everything we love about American comfort food – it’s hearty, flavorful, and brings people together around the dinner table. The combination of sweet honey, smoky barbecue flavors, and creamy cheese sauce creates a dish that’s both nostalgic and exciting. Unlike traditional mac and cheese, this version offers protein-packed chicken that makes it a complete meal, while the honey BBQ glaze adds a gourmet touch that elevates the entire dish.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and crowd-pleasing nature. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or entertaining guests for a special occasion, this dish delivers consistent results that never fail to impress. The golden, bubbling top gives way to layers of creamy cheese sauce, perfectly seasoned chicken, and tender pasta that create the ultimate comfort food experience.
What makes this recipe particularly special is how it combines elements from popular restaurant dishes – think Apple Bees Honey Pepper Chicken meets classic mac and cheese – but allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavors to your family’s preferences. The honey BBQ sauce can be adjusted for sweetness or heat, and the cheese blend can be modified to include your favorite varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire dish up to 24 hours in advance. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. You can also prepare the components separately and assemble just before baking.
How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
The key to smooth cheese sauce is temperature control and using fresh cheese. Remove the sauce from heat before adding cheese, and stir in the cheese gradually. If your sauce does become grainy, try whisking in a tablespoon of reserved pasta water or cream to help smooth it out.
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with cavatappi, shells, penne, or any short pasta that holds sauce well. Just maintain the same pasta-to-sauce ratio and cooking times.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover BBQ Mac And Cheese?
For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but the oven method maintains the best texture.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker like Crockpot Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese?
Yes! Cook the chicken and prepare the BBQ sauce first, then combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. Add the breadcrumb topping in the last 30 minutes of cooking, or skip it entirely for a creamier texture.
Ready to try this amazing Honey BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese recipe? We’d love to hear about your experience! Leave a comment below with your results, modifications, or questions. Don’t forget to share photos of your creation on social media and tag us – we love seeing your delicious results!
Looking for more comfort food recipes? Check out our other popular mac and cheese variations, including Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Baked and Honey Garlic Butter Chicken Mac N Cheese recipes. Each one offers a unique twist on this beloved classic that your family will absolutely love.
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