BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of marrying the smoky, tangy goodness of barbecue with the creamy, comforting embrace of mac and cheese, then you’re in for a treat with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—packed with shredded chicken smothered in your favorite BBQ sauce, layered with rich cheddar and gooey mozzarella, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers homestyle comfort with a flavorful twist, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is in its simplicity. Each carefully chosen ingredient plays a key role in balancing smoky, cheesy, and hearty notes that create pure magic in every bite.

• Chicken breast (1 lb, cooked and shredded): Provides a tender, protein-packed base that soaks up all the BBQ flavor.
• Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps gently warm the chicken and meld the flavors together without overpowering.
• Elbow macaroni (8 oz): The classic pasta choice for mac and cheese, perfect for trapping sauce in every nook and cranny.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Adds a sharp, tangy bite and creates that signature creamy cheese sauce.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Brings stretchiness and mild creaminess to the dish.
• Milk (1 cup, low-fat preferred): Forms the smooth base of the cheese sauce without making it too heavy.
• BBQ sauce (½ cup, your favorite brand): Infuses the chicken with bold, smoky, and sweet flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory warmth.
• Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Enhances depth without the texture of fresh onions.
• Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings an extra smoky nuance to pair with BBQ sauce perfectly.
• Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors.
• Fresh parsley (optional, chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a garnish.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your elbow macaroni until just tender according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set it aside—this will be the perfect canvas for your cheesy, BBQ-infused masterpiece.

Step 2: Warm the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the shredded chicken and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until it’s warmed through. This step gently refreshes your chicken and gets it ready for the next flavor-packed phase.

Step 3: Mix in the BBQ Sauce and Spices

Add the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated in that heavenly BBQ goodness. This mix is the heart of the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese and delivers smoky, tangy flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

While your chicken simmers in sauce, gently heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheese melts into a silky, luscious sauce. This cheese sauce is what makes the mac and cheese truly irresistible.

Step 5: Combine Pasta, Cheese Sauce, and BBQ Chicken

Pour the cooked pasta into the creamy cheese sauce and stir to combine. Then, fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, mixing gently but thoroughly until everything is perfectly blended. Your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is starting to come together beautifully!

Step 6: Final Seasoning

Give the dish a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed to suit your palate. Sometimes a pinch more seasoning can elevate the flavors even higher.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Dish the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls or plates while warm, and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if you like a burst of color and fresh flavor on top. Now it’s ready to enjoy!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic choice, adding a pop of green and a subtle herbaceous note. For extra flair, consider crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky depth. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top can amp up the flavor for BBQ lovers.

Side Dishes

This dish is a hearty main course on its own, but pairing it with crisp coleslaw or a light green salad brings refreshing contrast. Roasted vegetables or grilled corn also complement the smoky, cheesy richness without competing for attention.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, bake your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in a casserole dish topped with breadcrumbs for a crunchy crust. Alternatively, serve it in individual ramekins for easy portion control or make sliders by spooning the mixture onto toasted buns along with extra BBQ sauce and pickles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This lets the flavors mellow and deepen, making for an even tastier lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or a little extra cheese sauce can help return the dish to its creamy, dreamy state after refrigeration.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that makes this recipe even easier, and it’s already full of flavor that pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce.

What type of BBQ sauce works best?

Choose a BBQ sauce you love—whether sweet, tangy, spicy, or smoky—because its flavor will shine through in the dish. Feel free to experiment to find your perfect match.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for grilled or roasted veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or jackfruit, and use a veggie-friendly BBQ sauce. The cheesy sauce remains the comforting star.

Is it possible to use other types of pasta?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is traditional, feel free to use shells, cavatappi, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Can I add more heat to the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Definitely. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or spicy BBQ sauce will give the dish a nice kick that complements the creamy cheese perfectly.

Final Thoughts

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, and I promise once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-tos. The harmonious blend of smoky BBQ chicken and cheesy pasta brings bold flavors and cozy vibes to your table like no other dish. So go ahead, whip up a batch, share it with friends and family, and savor the smiles as everyone digs in!

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