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Honey BBQ mac and cheese

Divine Honey BBQ Mac and Cheese Your Family Will Love

This Honey BBQ mac and cheese combines savory BBQ chicken with creamy cheese for a comforting dish everyone will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 14 oz Diced Chicken 2 boneless, skinless breasts; substitute with leftover cooked chicken if desired.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil Used for sautéing chicken.
  • 0.5 tsp Smoked Paprika
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic Powder
  • Salt and Pepper To taste.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce Choose your preferred style.
  • 2 tbsp Honey
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Uncooked Elbow Macaroni
  • 3 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
For the Cheesy Goodness
  • 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded; approx. 7 oz.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded; approx. 3.5 oz.
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
For Toppings
  • 2 tbsp Chopped Fresh Parsley
  • 0.25 cup Crispy Fried Onions or Bread Crumbs Optional.

Equipment

  • large deep skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
  1. Begin by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add 14 ounces of diced chicken along with ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned but not fully cooked.
  2. After the chicken has sautéed, stir in 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce and 2 tablespoons of honey. Allow the mixture to cook for about 2 minutes.
  3. Next, add 12 ounces of uncooked elbow macaroni to the skillet, followed by 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of whole milk. Stir to submerge the pasta.
  4. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese until all the cheese is melted.
  6. Taste your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese and adjust the seasoning as needed. Once satisfied, remove the skillet from the heat.
  7. Finally, serve your creation by topping it with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 70gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 10IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 10mg

Notes

This dish is a fantastic way to bring family together around the dinner table. It pairs well with a side salad and is perfect for busy weeknights.

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