What happens when you blend the smokiness of barbecue, tender chicken, and luxuriously creamy cheese sauce? Pure comfort heaven! This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, fusing the familiar coziness of classic mac with a bold, tangy BBQ punch. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight staple, planning a potluck crowd-pleaser, or simply craving some cheesy happiness, this recipe guarantees a deliciously memorable meal every single time.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese lies in its straightforward lineup of ingredients—each one brings distinctive flavors or textures that make every forkful unforgettable. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need, along with a tip for each:

Chicken breast: Opt for cooked and shredded chicken—rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works great for flavor and convenience.
Olive oil: Just a splash is perfect for reheating the chicken and helping the flavors meld together in the skillet.
Elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice): Pick a shape with grooves or holes to hold onto all that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The classic sharp flavor provides richness and depth—go for freshly grated for the best melt.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds irresistible gooeyness and stretch to every bite.
Milk (low-fat preferred): Brings the cheese sauce together into a silky, pourable delight—whole milk makes it extra decadent.
BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand for maximum flavor—bold, sweet, or spicy, it’s your call!
Garlic powder: Lends subtle savory notes that anchor the sauce.
Onion powder: It’s a small addition that adds mellow sweetness throughout the dish.
Smoked paprika: Provides a slight smoky depth, amplifying that irresistible barbecue essence.
Salt and pepper: Season to taste at the end—remember the BBQ sauce and cheese already carry plenty of flavor!
Fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and freshness as a finishing touch.

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. Add the elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape), and cook according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside—resist the urge to overcook, since the noodles will absorb more sauce later and you want them to keep a bit of bite.

Step 2: Warm the Chicken

In a generously sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the shredded chicken and let it warm through for two to three minutes, stirring occasionally. This step is all about giving the chicken a chance to get juicy and hot, which also helps it soak up maximum barbecue flavor in the next step!

Step 3: BBQ Flavor Infusion

Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the warmed chicken. Pour in that bold BBQ sauce and mix everything thoroughly, making sure each piece of chicken is smothered in sauce. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine at this point—tangy, smoky, and wildly inviting.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

While the chicken mixture is soaking up flavor, turn your attention to the cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, pour in the milk and slowly stir in both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir often, watching as the cheeses melt and transform into a velvety, rich sauce. Keep the heat moderate to prevent scorching and ensure a silky finish.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta straight into the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat each noodle in cheesy goodness. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and continue stirring until everything is beautifully combined—the pasta, the creamy sauce, and the saucy BBQ chicken come together in a harmonious, mouthwatering mashup.

Step 6: Taste Test and Adjust

Give your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese a little taste test. Does it need an extra dash of salt or pepper? Adjust as needed to fit your flavor preference (just don’t burn your tongue—it’s piping hot!).

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Dole out generous portions while the dish is still bubbly and hot. For a restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top—it’s a small touch that adds freshness, color, and a hint of herby flavor.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Elevate your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese by scattering a touch of chopped parsley over each serving for a pop of green and vibrancy. Crumbled crispy bacon or extra shredded cheese melted under the broiler both add serious decadence. A few thinly sliced green onions also add a zippy crunch if you like something fresh on top.

Side Dishes

Because BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a showstopper on its own, simple sides are all you need. Try a crisp green salad, some steamed broccoli, or even sweet corn on the cob. Garlic bread is always welcome and perfect for mopping up any sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving individual portions in small cast iron skillets or ramekins, which keep things hot and feel extra special. For parties, serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in hollowed-out bread bowls or let people build their own with a toppings bar of bacon bits, scallions, extra BBQ sauce, and jalapeños.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Stash any leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay delicious for up to 3–4 days, making for fabulous work-lunches or quick weeknight meals. The flavors deepen even more after a night in the fridge!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead or save some for a rainy day, you can freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Cool the dish completely, then spoon portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags (removing as much air as possible). It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture when reheating.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce and maintain that dreamily creamy texture. For a crispy top, sprinkle on extra cheese and broil for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred it up and use as directed.

What’s the best type of BBQ sauce to use in BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?

It’s totally up to your taste! A classic smoky-sweet BBQ sauce is wonderful, but if you love spicy foods or a little more tang, feel free to experiment with your favorites. The sauce is a big part of the final flavor so pick one you already love.

Can I make this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety, and double-check that your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free as well.

Is it possible to add veggies to this dish?

You bet! Stir in some sautéed bell peppers, sweet corn, or even wilted spinach towards the end for extra nutrition and color. Just make sure not to overload, so the creamy, cheesy texture remains the star.

Can I substitute the cheeses?

Feel free to mix up the cheese blend! Monterey Jack, Havarti, or a bit of pepper jack can all add unique flavor and melt beautifully. For best results, include at least one cheese that’s known for good melting qualities.

Final Thoughts

There’s something almost magical about sharing a pan of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese—no matter who’s gathered around your table, expect big smiles and empty plates. Give this recipe a try soon and see just how quickly it becomes your new favorite comfort food!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

Author: Chloe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with tender BBQ chicken – a delicious twist on a classic favorite.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the BBQ Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté shredded chicken until warm. Add BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Heat milk in a saucepan, stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Combine: Add cooked pasta to cheese sauce, then fold in BBQ chicken mixture. Stir until well combined.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy hot!

Notes

This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Feel free to customize the level of BBQ sauce to suit your taste preferences.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop, Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 740mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, comfort food, pasta recipe, cheesy macaroni, BBQ chicken pasta