Hey there, fellow busy moms! Ever feel like you’re juggling a million things, and somehow, dinner still needs to happen? I get it! That’s why I’m so excited to share one of my family’s absolute favorites: a Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe that’s both incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple.
This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about creating a meal that makes everyone happy, including YOU! It’s packed with protein and flavor, and it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra nutrition without any complaints. I know, it sounds too good to be true, but trust me, this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is a dinnertime game-changer!
This recipe started on a night where I was desperately trying to figure out what to make with leftover chicken and a box of mac and cheese. I thought, “Why not combine them and add a little BBQ sauce?” The result was a surprisingly delicious and nutritious meal that my kids devoured. Now, my family sees my Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe as the champion of tasty meals.
I’m here to share simple, nourishing solutions that fit into your crazy, beautiful life. If you’re looking for a way to make dinnertime less stressful and more enjoyable, you’ve come to the right place!
INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:
Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is all about using simple, wholesome foods that you can easily find at your regular grocery store. No need for fancy, hard-to-find items here.
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or bake your own. My family gets extra nutrition when I bake a big batch of chicken breasts at the beginning of the week!
- 1 (12-ounce) box elbow macaroni: I like to use whole wheat pasta for added fiber in my Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and flavor.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps to thicken the cheese sauce.
- 3 cups milk: I use 2% milk, but you can use any kind you prefer.
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Feel free to use a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor. No worries if you don’t have cheddar – I use a Colby Jack blend for extra nutrients in my Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe.
- 1 cup honey BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand! You can even make your own if you’re feeling ambitious.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little kick.
Trust me, this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe ingredient list is simple because busy moms need nutrition without complexity! This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe proves nutritious doesn’t mean expensive, and I know your family will thank you. You can find these wholesome ingredients at your regular grocery store. For more simple nutrition ideas for busy families, check out this turmeric chicken soup recipe, it is a must-try.
Let’s Make it Happen!
Okay, gather around, fellow moms! It’s time to turn these simple ingredients into a Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe masterpiece. Don’t worry, I’ll walk you through it step-by-step. This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is so easy, even the kids can help!
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain well and set aside. In my busy kitchen, this nutritious Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe usually takes about 8-10 minutes to cook the pasta.
- While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. This is where I used to struggle with my Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe – learn from my experience! Don’t let the flour burn; keep whisking!
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch! I’ll quickly throw lunch meat in a container while I wait for the sauce to thicken.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and smooth. Your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe should smell nourishing by now.
- Stir in the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken. Mix well to combine. Here’s a Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe nutrition hack that changed our family’s health: add a handful of chopped broccoli or spinach for extra veggies!
- Stir in the honey BBQ sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly. Don’t worry if your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe looks a little saucy; it will thicken as it sits.
- Serve immediately and enjoy! While your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is cooking, take a moment to appreciate nourishing your family!
That’s it! See, I told you this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe was easy. In my house this nutritious Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe usually takes about 25 minutes to make. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
How We Love to Eat This!
Alright, let’s talk about how we love to enjoy this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in my house! Dinnertime nutrition wins are always the goal. The kids devour this nutritious Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe when I serve it with some steamed green beans or a simple side salad.
This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need good nutrition fast! It’s also great for potlucks or casual gatherings.
Here are a few more ideas:
- Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Presentation is key when it comes to getting kids to eat healthy food.
- Serve with a side of cornbread for a comforting meal. Nothing beats a warm bowl of mac and cheese with a slice of cornbread on a cold day!
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- My family gets extra nutrition when I add a side of coleslaw and they also love the taste!
Got leftovers? This nutritious Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe reheats beautifully! Just add a splash of milk or water to keep it from drying out. This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe reminds me of another family-healthy favorite, check out this pumpkin cheesecake truffles recipe!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get from fellow busy moms about this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. I get a lot of the same questions for any chicken mac and cheese recipe. I want to make sure you have all the info you need to whip up this nutritious meal with confidence.
Q: Is this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe really nutritious enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is packed with protein from the chicken and cheese, and it can be a great source of carbohydrates for energy. Plus, you can easily add extra veggies to boost the nutritional value even more.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
A: I get it! Picky eaters can be tough. Try starting with a small portion and let them add their own toppings, like a sprinkle of cheese or some chopped green onions. You can also try serving it with a side of their favorite fruit or vegetable.
Q: Can I meal prep this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for busy weeks ahead?
A: Definitely! This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. Just cook it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven.
Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
A: Of course! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your family’s favorite combination. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere all work well.
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta in this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
A: Yes! Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions. If your kids love this wholesome recipe, they’ll go crazy for this no bake halloween cheesecake recipe!
Q: Can I make this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can! Just cook the macaroni separately and add it to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
Q: What are some other ways to add vegetables to this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
A: You can add chopped broccoli, spinach, peas, or carrots to the mac and cheese. You can also serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Final Thoughts:
This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a way to bring your family together around the table and nourish them with wholesome, delicious food.
My Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Nutrition Hacks:
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.
- Add extra vegetables for added nutrients.
- Use lean chicken for a healthier protein source.
Here are a few family-tested healthy Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe variations:
- Spicy Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegetarian Honey BBQ Mac and Cheese: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables.
- Creamy Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess.
My kids love it when I add a little bit of hot sauce to my Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. It gives it a great kick! One of my kids loves the regular version, while another can’t get enough of the extra-cheesy version. As busy moms, it can be difficult to find recipes everyone loves. I encourage you to make this nutritious Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe your own and try different things!
I truly hope this Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe brings as much joy and nourishment to your family as it has to mine. I am always looking for ways to add more protein, like in this High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Meal Prep recipe. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job, and every small step you take towards simple nutrition is a victory! Another great source is the High Protein Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe. Here’s to dinnertime nutrition wins and happy, healthy families! You can do it! 💕
Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Creamy mac and cheese is loaded with tender chicken and a sweet and tangy honey BBQ sauce for a flavor explosion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/2 cup honey BBQ sauce
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
- Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in cooked chicken and honey BBQ sauce.
- Add macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Garnish with green onions, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.