Savory Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: Your Meal Prep Dream!

Savory Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: Your Meal Prep Dream! 🍯🍗🧀

1. Introduction

If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing mac and cheese recipe that combines succulent BBQ chicken and a touch of honey sweetness, you’re in the right place! This BBQ chicken mac and cheese is more than just comfort food—it’s a versatile dish perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or a weekend gathering. This flavorful chicken pasta bake features tender pieces of grilled chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and a crispy topping that will keep everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or new to the kitchen, this mac and cheese recipe offers a delightful fusion of smoky, sweet, and cheesy flavors that are simply irresistible.

2. Ingredients for Savory Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

• 2 cups cooked penne or elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast (or use leftover grilled chicken)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (preferably smoky or honey BBQ)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cream or milk
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup crispy breadcrumb topping
• Salt and pepper to taste

3. Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Savory Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Preparing the Chicken and Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Meanwhile, warm your cooked chicken in a skillet with a splash of BBQ sauce to infuse extra flavor. For added convenience, you can use leftover grilled chicken from your oven-crisped chicken strips.

Making the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Pour in cream or milk, then whisk in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combining the Ingredients

Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Pour in the BBQ sauce and honey for a perfect balance of smoky sweetness. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring that every piece of pasta is coated with the luscious sauce.

Assembling and Baking

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with a generous layer of crispy breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. Optional: add extra shredded cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.

4. Storage Tips for Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For longer storage, consider dividing into meal prep portions and freezing for up to a month.

5. Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal

This chicken pasta bake is versatile enough to be served on its own or paired with fresh salads and roasted vegetables. For a complete meal, try pairing it with a side of high-protein flatbread or a refreshing coleslaw. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness.

6. FAQs About Savory Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred and toss with a bit of BBQ sauce before adding to the pasta.

Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?

Yes, by using gluten-free pasta, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Ensure the BBQ sauce and breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.

How long does it take to prepare and bake?

All together, this mac and cheese recipe takes approximately 40 minutes—20 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for baking.

7. Kitchen Tools That Make This Recipe Easier

• Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master — An all-in-one prep station to chop onions and garlic effortlessly, making kitchen prep quicker and more efficient.
• Ninja Smart Double Oven with FlexDoor Technology — Perfect for baking your cheesy chicken pasta bake evenly and with convenience.
• KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer — Ideal for mixing creamy cheese sauces or even making dough for garlic bread on the side.

8. Enhance Your Cooking with the Best Kitchen Gadgets

Transform your kitchen experience with tools like the Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast for crispy topping or the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker to stay refreshed after cooking. These gadgets will help you take your home cooking to the next level and save time on meal prep.

9. Conclusion

There you have it—an irresistible BBQ chicken mac and cheese that combines smoky flavors, sweet honey accents, and cheesy goodness in a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or casual get-togethers, this chicken pasta bake is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!

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