If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food with a tangy, smoky kick, you absolutely have to try this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Imagine fork-tender chicken tossed in your favorite barbecue sauce and folded into a luxurious, ultra-creamy mac and cheese. Every bite is a delightful clash—creamy, cheesy pasta meets savory, saucy BBQ chicken, making this dish a total crowd-pleaser whether it’s game night or a simple family dinner.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a breeze, and each component really shines in its own way. From the oozy cheeses to the bold BBQ sauce and the perfectly cooked chicken, these simple ingredients come together for a deeply satisfying meal.

Chicken breast: Shred it after cooking for juicy, tender bites that soak up all the flavor.
Olive oil: Adds a touch of richness and helps gently warm the chicken without drying it out.
Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese, but feel free to get creative with other fun shapes if you like.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and tangy—this is the cheese that gives the sauce its backbone.
Mozzarella cheese: Brings wonderful stretchiness and a mellow flavor that balances the cheddar.
Milk: Helps create a silky-smooth cheese sauce; low-fat milk works, but whole milk is even richer.
BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand—sweet, smoky, spicy, or classic; it’s all about what you love.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle garlicky depth.
Onion powder: Lends mild sweetness and a savory boost to the chicken mixture.
Smoked paprika: Underscores the smoky flavors and brings lovely color.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go!
Fresh parsley: Totally optional, but a sprinkle at the end adds freshness and a pop of green.

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, then cook your macaroni (or pasta of choice) according to the package instructions. The pasta should be al dente, with just the right amount of bite—it will finish absorbing some sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Warm and Flavor the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, add your cooked, shredded chicken. Let it warm up for two to three minutes. This not only heats the chicken but also gives it time to develop a rich flavor. You want every strand to be tender and ready to soak up that swoon-worthy BBQ sauce.

Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce and Seasonings

Pour in your BBQ sauce, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, plus a good pinch each of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the chicken is fully coated and smells insanely delicious. Let it simmer together for a minute or two so the flavors meld.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat; don’t let it boil! Once it’s hot, add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and you have a smooth, creamy sauce that calls for a spoon. This is what takes your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to the next level!

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

Add the drained pasta directly into the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is beautifully coated. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture. Stir gently so everything mixes evenly and you get perfectly sauced bites throughout. Taste and adjust with a little more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Spoon the hot BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls or onto plates. Sprinkle generously with fresh parsley if you like; the herby freshness is a nice contrast to the cheesy richness. Now dig in while it’s still bubbling and gooey!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A little bit of garnish can make all the difference. Try a sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions for punchy color and freshness. Crushed fried onions or a light dusting of smoked paprika bring crunch and depth, elevating your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese from weeknight to wow.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with crisp coleslaw, a tangy cucumber salad, or roasted veggies can lighten the meal and add variety to your table. A basket of warm, fluffy cornbread or garlic toast is always welcome for scooping up every last bit of cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For extra fun, try serving BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets—perfect for dinner parties or cozy nights in. You can also pile it onto sliders for a game-day snack or stuff it into roasted bell peppers for a colorful, portable twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to let it come to room temperature before popping it in the fridge for best results.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and it will keep well for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating so the sauce stays creamy and the pasta doesn’t get mushy.

Reheating

To reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, splash with a little milk, and cover loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring halfway, until piping hot. On the stovetop, reheat gently over low heat, adding more milk if needed to bring back that dreamy creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds extra flavor to your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Just shred it and follow the recipe as usual.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

Choose your favorite! Whether you like it sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy, it will define the flavor profile of your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Homemade sauces are also a wonderful way to personalize it.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything ahead and refrigerate. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if necessary.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, pepper jack for a little heat, or even a bit of smoked gouda for added smoky depth in your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a guaranteed hit that blends the best of cookout flavors with classic comfort cooking, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese couldn’t be a better pick. Give it a try—with so much gooey, savory, smoky goodness, you may find yourself coming back to it again and again!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 18 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

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

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, add shredded chicken, warm through. Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Make the Cheese Sauce: Heat milk in a saucepan, stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta to cheese sauce, then mix in BBQ chicken. Stir to combine.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.