If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food with a smoky, tangy twist, look no further than BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish combines all the creamy nostalgia of classic mac and cheese with juicy, saucy chicken and a pop of bold barbecue flavor. It’s a weeknight hero, a potluck showstopper, and, honestly, the type Main Course. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers that get better by the day, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is about to become your new favorite dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and sets the stage for a truly irresistible BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Each component plays a starring role, whether it’s adding creaminess, bite, or that signature smoky sweetness we all love.
- Elbow macaroni (12 ounces): Classic shape for maximum sauce cling and a satisfying bite every time.
- Butter (2 tablespoons): The base of your roux, bringing rich flavor and silky texture to the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Helps thicken the sauce for that perfect, luscious consistency.
- Milk (2 cups): Whole milk is best for creamy results, but 2% works too if you want to lighten it up a tad.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Delivers that classic, bold cheesy flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Adds gooey stretchiness and a mild, creamy finish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle savory depth that boosts the whole dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t forget to season! Taste as you go for the perfect balance.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a speedy shortcut, but any cooked chicken works great.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup, plus more for drizzling): Sweet, smoky, and tangy — the flavor backbone of this recipe.
- Chopped green onions (1/4 cup, optional): A fresh, peppery garnish that adds color and crunch.
- Crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for topping (1/4 cup, optional): Brings irresistible crunch to every bite.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling a big pot of water and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente — tender but still with a little chew. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This is the foundation for your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, so don’t overcook it or you’ll lose that satisfying texture.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbling and fragrant. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute to form a pale, nutty roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking all the while to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4 to 5 minutes. Now, stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until you have a smooth, glossy, utterly irresistible cheese sauce.
Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to your saucepan of cheese sauce. Stir everything together gently so that every noodle is lovingly coated in cheesy goodness. This step is pure comfort — watching those golden ribbons of sauce wrap around each piece of pasta is a little moment of kitchen magic.
Step 4: Prepare the BBQ Chicken
In a separate bowl, toss your cooked, shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated. The sauce should cling to the chicken for maximum flavor. If you like things extra saucy, feel free to add an extra splash of BBQ sauce here.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into your cheesy mac, gently mixing so the flavors swirl but each bite still offers a bit of everything. Now, transfer the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to a serving dish. Drizzle with a little more BBQ sauce, and if you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle with green onions and crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for crunch. Serve warm and watch it disappear!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
Take your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to the next level by finishing it with a generous drizzle of extra BBQ sauce, a scatter of fresh green onions, and a handful of crispy fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs. These toppings give each forkful a pop of color and a satisfying crunch that’s hard to resist.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or grilled corn on the cob to balance out the richness. For a true barbecue feast, serve alongside baked beans or coleslaw — it’s a match made in comfort food heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or spoon it into hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun, edible twist. For a crowd, bake it family-style in a casserole dish and let everyone dig in. Leftovers also make an epic filling for stuffed bell peppers or loaded baked potatoes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and get even better by the next day, so leftovers are a real treat!
Freezing
To freeze, let the mac and cheese cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems a bit thick. If you’re reheating a large batch, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly. Don’t forget to refresh the toppings for that just-made crunch!
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, shells, rotini, or penne all work beautifully and soak up the cheesy sauce just as well.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
You can easily spice up your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or using a spicy BBQ sauce. Toss in some chopped pickled jalapeños for even more kick!
What’s the best cheese substitute if I don’t have cheddar?
If you’re out of cheddar, smoked gouda or pepper jack are delicious alternatives that bring their own unique flavor to BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Mixing different cheeses is encouraged for a blend that suits your taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake at 350°F for 15–20 minutes until hot and bubbly. This makes BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese a perfect make-ahead option for busy days.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Definitely. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleaser for all ages. If you’re cooking for little ones, choose a milder BBQ sauce and skip spicy add-ins to keep it family-friendly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a bubbling dish of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese — it’s comfort food with a bold, unforgettable twist. This recipe is practically guaranteed to bring smiles to your table, so why not whip up a batch and see just how quickly it disappears? You might just find yourself making it again and again!
Print
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, comforting BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese featuring tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce mixed into a rich, cheesy macaroni base. Perfect for a hearty dinner that combines classic mac and cheese with smoky BBQ flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Chicken and Toppings
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1/4 cup crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until it forms a smooth paste without browning.
- Add Milk: Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 4–5 minutes until the sauce is thickened and smooth.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat every piece evenly in the cheesy mixture.
- Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until well combined.
- Mix Chicken into Mac and Cheese: Fold the BBQ chicken into the cheesy macaroni mixture until evenly distributed.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the mac and cheese to a serving dish, drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top, and sprinkle with chopped green onions and crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a convenient shortcut without compromising flavor.
- For a different twist, substitute smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese to add smoky or spicy notes.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and then baked at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes to warm through and add a crispy topping before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
