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BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese.26

Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

This Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese combines tender shredded chicken, sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, honey, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting slow-cooker dinner with the flavors of barbecue chicken and homemade macaroni and cheese in one dish.

The chicken cooks slowly until tender, then cooked pasta and plenty of melted cheese are added near the end. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day, potlucks, casual parties, or whenever you’re craving something sweet, smoky, creamy, and cheesy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: Approximately 5–6 hours
Servings: 8

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and smoky barbecue flavor
  • Tender shredded chicken
  • Rich, creamy cheese sauce
  • Easy slow-cooker preparation
  • Family-friendly
  • Perfect for game day
  • Great for potlucks
  • Easy to customize
  • Makes a complete meal
  • Delicious with bacon or jalapeños

Ingredients

Honey BBQ Chicken

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Mac and Cheese

  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 2½ cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1½ cups freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder, optional

Optional Toppings

  • Additional barbecue sauce
  • Crumbled bacon
  • Sliced green onions
  • Chopped parsley
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Crispy fried onions
  • Additional shredded cheddar

How to Make Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker

Lightly coat the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

This helps prevent the barbecue sauce and cheese from sticking around the edges.

Step 2: Add the Chicken

Place the chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the slow cooker.

If the chicken breasts are especially thick, slice them horizontally so they cook more evenly.

Step 3: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

In a bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

Stir until smooth.

Step 4: Cover the Chicken

Pour the honey barbecue mixture over the chicken.

Turn each piece to coat it evenly with the sauce.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or on HIGH for 2–3 hours.

The chicken is ready when it is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Avoid overcooking because lean chicken breasts can become dry.

Step 6: Shred the Chicken

Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board or large bowl.

Shred it using two forks, then return it to the slow cooker.

Stir until the shredded chicken is evenly coated with the honey BBQ sauce.

Step 7: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add the macaroni and cook it for approximately 1–2 minutes less than the package recommends.

The pasta should be slightly firmer than al dente because it will continue cooking in the warm cheese sauce.

Drain the pasta thoroughly. Do not rinse it.

Step 8: Add the Creamy Ingredients

Turn the slow cooker to LOW.

Add the cubed cream cheese, milk, heavy cream, butter, and mustard powder to the shredded chicken.

Stir, cover, and cook for approximately 10–15 minutes, or until the cream cheese begins to soften.

Step 9: Add the Cooked Pasta

Add the drained macaroni to the slow cooker.

Stir gently until the pasta is evenly combined with the chicken and creamy barbecue sauce.

Step 10: Add the Cheese

Add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan gradually.

Stir gently after each addition until the cheese melts into the sauce.

Freshly shredded cheese will produce the smoothest consistency.

Step 11: Finish Cooking

Cover and cook on LOW for another 15–20 minutes.

Stir once halfway through cooking.

Turn the slow cooker to WARM as soon as the sauce is creamy and the pasta is tender.

Step 12: Adjust the Consistency

If the mac and cheese is too thick, stir in additional warm milk, a few tablespoons at a time.

If you want a stronger barbecue flavor, stir in another small amount of sauce.

Taste before adding additional salt because the cheese and barbecue sauce may already contain plenty.

Step 13: Add the Toppings

Drizzle additional barbecue sauce over the top.

Finish with crumbled bacon, green onions, jalapeños, parsley, crispy onions, or shredded cheddar.

Serve while warm and creamy.

The Best Barbecue Sauce to Use

Use a barbecue sauce you already enjoy because it provides much of the flavor in this recipe.

Good options include:

  • Sweet honey barbecue sauce
  • Smoky hickory sauce
  • Brown sugar barbecue sauce
  • Spicy barbecue sauce
  • Kansas City-style sauce
  • Original barbecue sauce

If your sauce is already very sweet, reduce the honey to two tablespoons and omit the brown sugar.

The Best Pasta for Mac and Cheese

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but other small pasta shapes also work well.

Try:

  • Small shells
  • Cavatappi
  • Rotini
  • Mini penne
  • Medium shells
  • Bow-tie pasta

Cook the pasta slightly less than al dente so it does not become overly soft in the slow cooker.

Why Cook the Pasta Separately?

Cooking the pasta separately provides better control over its texture.

Pasta cooked in the slow cooker can absorb too much liquid, become mushy, or cook unevenly. Adding slightly undercooked pasta near the end keeps the mac and cheese creamy and prevents the noodles from breaking apart.

The Best Cheese Combination

Sharp cheddar provides strong flavor, while Monterey Jack melts smoothly and creates a creamy sauce.

Other good combinations include:

  • Cheddar and mozzarella
  • Cheddar and Colby Jack
  • Smoked cheddar and Monterey Jack
  • Cheddar and Pepper Jack
  • Gouda and cheddar
  • Cheddar and American cheese

Avoid using only aged cheese because it may not melt as smoothly.

How to Keep the Cheese Sauce Smooth

For a creamy sauce:

  • Shred the cheese from a block
  • Soften the cream cheese
  • Add the cheese gradually
  • Keep the slow cooker on LOW or WARM
  • Stir gently
  • Avoid boiling the sauce
  • Do not cook too long after adding the pasta

Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking ingredients that can make the sauce grainy.

Can I Use Chicken Thighs?

Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs remain tender and juicy during slow cooking.

Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, then shred them as directed.

Chicken thighs may release more liquid, so remove some excess cooking liquid if the sauce appears too thin before adding the dairy.

Can I Use Cooked Chicken?

Yes. Replace the raw chicken with approximately 4 cups of cooked shredded chicken.

Add the cooked chicken, barbecue sauce, honey, and seasonings to the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for approximately one hour, then continue with the cream cheese and pasta steps.

Rotisserie chicken makes this variation especially convenient.

Recipe Variations

Bacon Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Add eight slices of cooked and crumbled bacon.

Stir half into the mac and cheese and sprinkle the remaining bacon over the top.

Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Use spicy barbecue sauce and add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.

Replace part of the Monterey Jack with Pepper Jack cheese and finish with sliced jalapeños.

Smoky BBQ Mac and Cheese

Use smoked cheddar and hickory barbecue sauce.

Add cooked bacon or smoked sausage for even more smoky flavor.

Ranch BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Add one tablespoon of ranch seasoning with the cream cheese.

Garnish with green onions and bacon.

Broccoli BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Add two cups of lightly steamed broccoli when you stir in the pasta.

Avoid adding raw broccoli too early because it may become overly soft.

Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese

Replace the chicken with cooked pulled pork.

Reduce the slow-cooking time because the meat only needs to be heated through.

Can I Make It Less Sweet?

Yes. Reduce the honey to two tablespoons and omit the brown sugar.

Choose an original or smoky barbecue sauce instead of a sweet variety.

You can also add one teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a small splash of apple cider vinegar to balance the sweetness.

Can I Make It Without Heavy Cream?

Yes. Replace the heavy cream with additional whole milk or evaporated milk.

The sauce will be slightly lighter but will remain creamy because of the cream cheese and melted cheese.

What to Serve with Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

This dish is filling enough to serve alone, but it also pairs well with:

  • Coleslaw
  • Green salad
  • Steamed broccoli
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Green beans
  • Corn on the cob
  • Baked beans
  • Garlic bread
  • Dinner rolls
  • Pickles

Fresh or tangy side dishes help balance the rich, sweet, and cheesy pasta.

Can I Prepare It Ahead?

The honey BBQ chicken can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.

Refrigerate it in an airtight container, then reheat it in the slow cooker before adding the creamy ingredients, freshly cooked pasta, and cheese.

For the best texture, do not assemble the entire mac and cheese too far in advance because the pasta will continue absorbing the sauce.

Storage

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

The pasta will thicken as it sits because it continues absorbing moisture from the sauce.

How to Reheat

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger amounts in a saucepan over low heat.

Add a splash of milk and stir occasionally until the sauce becomes creamy again.

Avoid overheating because the cheese can separate and the chicken may become dry.

Can You Freeze It?

The honey BBQ chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months before the pasta and dairy are added.

Freezing the fully prepared mac and cheese is possible, but the pasta may become softer and the sauce can lose some of its creamy texture.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently with additional milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put uncooked pasta directly in the slow cooker?

It is better to cook the pasta separately. This prevents it from becoming mushy or absorbing too much sauce.

Do I need to brown the chicken first?

No. The chicken can be placed directly into the slow cooker.

Can I use frozen chicken?

For safe and even cooking, thaw the chicken completely before placing it in the slow cooker.

Why is my mac and cheese dry?

The pasta may have absorbed too much sauce. Stir in warm milk until the desired consistency is reached.

Why is my cheese sauce grainy?

The cheese may have been added at too high a temperature. Use freshly shredded cheese and keep the slow cooker on LOW or WARM.

Can I use bottled honey barbecue sauce?

Yes. If the sauce is already very sweet, reduce or omit the additional honey and brown sugar.

Can I add bacon?

Yes. Bacon adds smoky flavor and a crisp texture that pairs especially well with barbecue chicken.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes. Add hot barbecue sauce, cayenne pepper, Pepper Jack cheese, or sliced jalapeños.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes. Use approximately four cups of shredded rotisserie chicken and reduce the cooking time.

How long can it stay on WARM?

Keep it on WARM for no more than approximately two hours. Stir occasionally and add milk if the pasta begins to dry out.

Pro Tips

Cook the pasta slightly less than al dente before adding it to the slow cooker. This prevents the macaroni from becoming overly soft.

Use freshly shredded cheese and add it gradually at a low temperature for the smoothest sauce.

Taste your barbecue sauce before adding honey and brown sugar. Some sauces are already very sweet and may not need both.

Turn the slow cooker to WARM as soon as the cheese has melted. Extended cooking can cause the sauce to separate and the pasta to become mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Honey BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese combines tender shredded chicken, sweet and smoky barbecue sauce, creamy pasta, and plenty of melted cheese in one satisfying dinner.

Prepare it for a busy weeknight, game-day gathering, potluck, or casual family meal. Add bacon, jalapeños, broccoli, ranch seasoning, or smoked cheese to make it your own.

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