Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
A creamy bowl of Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese topped with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, served on a rustic wooden table.

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: The Ultimate Make-Ahead Marvel

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish infused with sweet smoky honey BBQ chicken. Perfect for make-ahead meals, this hearty and flavorful recipe combines tender shredded chicken, melted cheeses, and a vibrant honey BBQ sauce. Ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, it offers comforting flavors with easy preparation and baking. Enjoy a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dinner that can be prepared in advance and baked to perfection.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) of chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
  • 8 oz (225g) of pasta (penne, rotini, or macaroni works well)
  • 1 cup of honey BBQ sauce
  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup of cream or whole milk for a richer sauce
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cooked, shredded chicken and toss with honey BBQ sauce. Heat until warmed through and well coated.
  3. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, BBQ chicken, cheeses, and cream. Mix thoroughly to blend flavors evenly.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil and refrigerate if making ahead.
  5. When ready to serve, bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • You can substitute different pasta shapes such as penne, rotini, or gluten-free options.
  • This dish can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the sauce.
  • Use cooked, shredded chicken for convenience; leftover grilled chicken works great too.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 520 Kcal
  • Sugar: 12g
  • Sodium: 1020mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 63g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg