BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you’re craving a comfort food classic with a flavorful twist, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy macaroni paired with tender, smoky BBQ chicken creates a perfect harmony of tastes and textures that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination is easy to make, utterly satisfying, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe truly starts with simple, quality ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—whether it’s building that creamy base, adding smoky savory notes, or bringing just the right amount of spice and richness. Here’s what you’ll gather before getting started:
- Chicken breast (1 lb cooked and shredded): Provides tender, protein-packed heartiness that soaks up the BBQ flavor perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Keeps the chicken juicy and adds a mild fruitiness that complements the dish.
- BBQ sauce (1/2 cup): Your secret weapon for that signature smoky sweetness and tang.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle savory kick that deepens the overall flavor.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Brings a gentle hint of sweetness and aromatic complexity.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the dish with a warm, smoky undertone that’s essential to the BBQ vibe.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances and brightens every element in the dish.
- Elbow macaroni (8 oz): The classic noodle that holds onto all the cheesy goodness.
- Cheddar cheese (2 cups shredded): Offers bold, tangy creaminess that melts into luscious gooeyness.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Adds smooth, stretchy texture for extra cheesy delight.
- Milk (1 cup, low-fat preferred): Creates the silky cheese sauce base without weighing it down.
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): A pop of color and fresh herbal brightness to finish the dish.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your elbow macaroni or preferred pasta according to package directions until al dente. This ensures the noodles will have that perfect bite and won’t get soggy when mixed with the cheesy sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside—you’ll bring it all together shortly.
Step 2: Warm the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil until it’s shimmering, then add your cooked, shredded chicken. Stir it around for 2 to 3 minutes just until heated through. This simple step helps the chicken stay juicy and prepares it to absorb those lovely BBQ flavors.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Now it’s BBQ time! Add the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste to your chicken. Stir everything up thoroughly so the chicken pieces get evenly coated with that smoky, tangy sauce. Then, set this mixture aside while you press on with the cheese sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan set over medium heat, pour in the milk and start heating it gently. Gradually add your shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring constantly so the cheeses melt smoothly into a rich, creamy sauce. This step is key to getting a perfectly luscious mac and cheese texture that clings beautifully to each noodle.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Once your cheese sauce is silky smooth, add the drained pasta directly into the pan. Gently stir to coat every piece with that dreamy, cheesy goodness. This combination is the heart of your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, bringing that rich comfort food feel to life.
Step 6: Add BBQ Chicken Mixture
Finally, fold the BBQ chicken mixture into your cheese-coated pasta. Mix well, making sure the smoky chicken is distributed evenly for maximum flavor in every bite. This is when your dish truly comes together—warm, cheesy, and smoky in the best way.
Step 7: Taste and Serve
Take a moment to taste and adjust with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve it hot, and if you like, garnish with a sprinkling of fresh parsley for that inviting burst of color and freshness. Now you’re ready to dig into one of the most satisfying comfort meals ever!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley really lifts this dish—adding a fresh, vibrant note that contrasts perfectly with the rich, creamy sauce. You can also try a few red pepper flakes for a touch of heat or a little extra shredded cheddar on top for those cheese lovers who want even more gooeyness.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a tangy coleslaw. These sides bring balance and brightness, cutting through the richness of the mac and cheese and adding varied textures to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this BBQ Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins and broil the top to get that irresistible golden crust. Or, try mixing in some crispy bacon bits or chopped jalapeños for extra smoky, spicy layers. It’s a dish that’s easy to customize and impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep the texture as fresh as possible.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers beforehand for easy meal prep. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to maintain creaminess and prevent separation.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the cheese sauce. Stir frequently to warm evenly and preserve that comforting, creamy texture you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella provide a classic creamy blend, feel free to experiment with cheeses like smoked gouda, pepper jack, or Monterey Jack for added depth or a kick of spice.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds even more flavor. Just shred the chicken and warm it through with the BBQ sauce as instructed.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep the spirit of the recipe but make it vegetarian, swap the chicken for smoked tofu or cooked, seasoned mushrooms. Add extra BBQ sauce and spices to maintain that smoky, bold flavor.
What type of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love—whether it’s sweet, spicy, or smoky. Different sauces will give your dish unique personality, so pick one that matches your flavor preference or the occasion.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to mixing the pasta with cheese sauce, then refrigerate. When ready, fold in the BBQ chicken, transfer to a baking dish, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until bubbly and hot.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is the kind of meal that brings comfort and excitement to the table all at once. It’s easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for sharing with people you love. So go ahead, whip up a batch and savor every creamy, smoky bite—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A delicious and comforting BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combining tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, served over perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick family dinner with a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk (low-fat preferred)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Warm the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked and shredded chicken and stir for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Season the Chicken: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat and heat the chicken mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, pour in the milk. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Add BBQ Chicken Mixture: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if preferred.
Notes
- Use low-fat milk for a lighter cheese sauce option.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
