If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a sweet and smoky twist, look no further than Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! This dish is everything you love about classic macaroni and cheese, taken to the next level with juicy BBQ-glazed chicken and a gloriously creamy, cheesy sauce. Every forkful combines velvety cheddar, tangy cottage cheese, and golden pasta with the irresistible flavor burst of honey and barbecue. It’s a gorgeous, shareable dinner that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive for any gathering.

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese lies in fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together for one unforgettable meal. Each component is vital for richness, creaminess, or punchy BBQ notes, so here’s how to make every bite count.

Fat Free Cottage Cheese: Brings a velvety, protein-rich base to the cheese sauce without making it too heavy.
Light Cream Cheese: Adds silkiness and a subtle tang for a well-rounded sauce.
30% Reduced Fat Cheddar Cheese: Offers bold, classic cheddar flavor while keeping things a bit lighter.
Semi Skimmed Milk (2% milk): The key to a pourable, creamy sauce that clings to each pasta piece.
Garlic Powder: Boosts both the cheese sauce and chicken with warm, savory depth.
Parsley: Injects freshness and a pop of color, perfect for garnish and flavor.
Black Pepper: Enhances the sauce and chicken, adding just the right amount of heat.
Paprika: Gives smoky undertones to both sauce and chicken for that signature BBQ profile.
Salt: Vital for seasoning every layer, so don’t skimp!
Mustard: Lifts the cheese sauce with a gentle zing that ties all the flavors together.
Chicken Breasts (diced): The protein star, ready to soak up all those BBQ flavors.
Honey: Natural sweetness balances smoky and savory BBQ—absolutely essential!
Onion Powder: Rounds out the chicken’s seasoning blend with a hint of mellow sweetness.
Reduced BBQ Sauce: Smoky, tangy and a little sticky—this brings it all together in true BBQ fashion.
Ground Ginger: Adds a subtle warmth and hint of intrigue to the chicken seasoning.
Low Calorie Cooking Spray: Ensures juicy, golden chicken with minimal extra fat.
Pasta: Choose your favorite short pasta; it’s the dreamy base for all that sauce.

How to Make Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

Start by prepping your chicken, because it’s about to become irresistibly flavorful! Toss diced chicken breast with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, making sure every chunk gets a generous coating of these spices. For a beautifully browned, juicy result, cook the chicken using either the air fryer (preheated to 180°C/350°F for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway) or a non-stick pan over medium heat for 6–8 minutes. Once your chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a bowl, then toss it immediately with honey and BBQ sauce. Give it another minute or two on the heat so the sauce slightly caramelizes—this is when the magic happens!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking (or even before to save time), bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. Before you drain, scoop out about 1/4 cup of the pasta water—this golden liquid will help marry the cheese sauce later. Drain the rest and set aside, ready for all that luscious sauce.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Next up, it’s sauce time—and you won’t believe how silky and rich this version is! In a blender, combine cottage cheese, light cream cheese, reduced fat cheddar, milk, garlic powder, parsley, black pepper, paprika, salt, and a zingy touch of mustard. Blitz it all together until the sauce is smooth and velvety. Pour it into a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it starts to feel a little too thick, simply stir in a splash of reserved pasta water. In three to five minutes, you’ll have a glossy, creamy sauce that clings to a spoon.

Step 4: Combine and Bring It All Together

With your cheese sauce bubbling and pasta ready, marry the two in your saucepan, tossing until every piece of pasta is lavishly coated. Adjust the consistency with a little more pasta water if needed. Let the mac and cheese rest for ten minutes off the heat—this lets the flavors deepen and the sauce settle in beautifully. Finally, spoon the cheesy pasta into bowls, then generously top each serving with your sticky, glistening honey BBQ chicken. Finish with a scattering of parsley, then dig in!

How to Serve Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

For a fresh, eye-catching finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over each bowl of Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. If you have extra shredded cheddar, a little on top won’t hurt either! Add a few cracks of black pepper or a dusting of smoked paprika to make it restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish loves a simple, vibrant side. A crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw keeps things refreshing and cuts through the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli add both color and a nice crunch, turning this into a balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese over the top by serving it in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or spoon the mixture into a baking dish, top with a few breadcrumbs, and bake for an extra golden finish. For casual gatherings, try serving in mini bowls or even on a big platter family-style, letting everyone dig in!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese stores beautifully. Transfer cooled portions to airtight containers and keep in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after a night in the fridge, making lunch the next day seriously tasty.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, portion the mac and cheese (without the chicken topping) into freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Store the BBQ chicken separately in its own airtight bag or container, and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed. The chicken can be reheated in the microwave or in a skillet until just warmed through, then placed on top. Avoid overcooking so everything stays juicy and creamy!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken myself?

Absolutely! Shred cooked rotisserie chicken and warm it up with the honey and BBQ sauce for a super-speedy version of Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. It won’t have the same caramelization, but it’s still delicious.

What’s the best type of pasta for this recipe?

Short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, penne, or shells work beautifully because they hold onto the cheese sauce in every bite. Choose your favorite—there are no wrong answers here!

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes, simply swap in your preferred gluten free pasta and double-check that your BBQ sauce and all seasonings are gluten free. You’ll still get all the bold flavors and comforting creaminess!

Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Sure thing! Omit the chicken and add roasted veggies or your favorite plant-based protein tossed in the honey BBQ sauce. The rest of the Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is already vegetarian-friendly.

What if I don’t have a blender for the cheese sauce?

No blender? No problem! Use a food processor, an immersion blender, or just blend ingredients by hand as smoothly as you can. It may be a bit more rustic, but it will still taste fantastic.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to try a comfort food classic with a bold, modern twist, Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is your answer. Every spoonful is rich, creamy, and just a little bit indulgent, perfect for cozy nights or impressing a hungry crowd. Give it a try and see for yourself how this dreamy combination steals the show at your next meal!