If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food mashup, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is about to become your new obsession. Smoky shredded chicken melds lovingly with bubbly, gooey cheese and tender pasta, all tied together with your favorite tangy BBQ sauce. This is the sort of dish that vanishes as soon as it hits the table, guaranteed to draw everyone in with its irresistible aroma and satisfy like only true soul food can. Get ready for a family favorite that’s cozy, satisfying, and simply loaded with flavor!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients come together to make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Each adds its own magic, from creaminess to bite, giving every forkful a burst of flavor.

Chicken breast, cooked and shredded: Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken speeds things up and soaks up the BBQ flavors beautifully.
Olive oil: Just a tablespoon gives your chicken a little sizzle and helps blend in the spices.
Elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice): The classic choice for mac and cheese, but feel free to swap in shells or rotini for fun.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds sharpness and creamy texture—the backbone of any good mac!
Shredded mozzarella cheese: This one’s for that stretch and melt we all crave in cheesy dishes.
Milk (low-fat preferred): Helps create a luscious, smooth cheese sauce without making things too heavy.
BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite—smoky, spicy, or sweet—for a signature flavor twist in your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.
Garlic powder: Rounds out the sauce with mellow, savory notes.
Onion powder: Another layer of flavor that makes every bite pop.
Smoked paprika: Brings depth, richness, and a hint of smokiness to the party.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; add to taste for just the right balance.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): Sprinkling some on top brightens the dish and adds a touch of color.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your macaroni (or chosen pasta) according to the package instructions. You want that perfect, tender-but-firm al dente texture since it will soak up all the cheesy, BBQ goodness in the final dish. Drain and set aside—don’t forget a quick toss to prevent sticking!

Step 2: Warm Up the Chicken

Grab a large skillet and heat your olive oil over medium. Toss in the cooked, shredded chicken and let it heat through for 2-3 minutes. This makes the chicken juicy and ready to absorb all the flavors headed its way.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken in BBQ Flavor

Time to flavor bomb! Mix in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until each strand of chicken is glistening and coated, soaking up every bit of that saucy, smoky profile that makes BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese so crave-worthy.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, heat the milk gently over medium, just until you see steam. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into a silky, dreamy sauce. Keep it moving so nothing sticks, and marvel at that glossy cheese magic!

Step 5: Mix Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add the drained macaroni right into your cheese sauce and stir until every noodle is blanketed in creamy goodness. This is the moment you know something special is brewing—it’s cheesy, velvety, and already tempting enough to eat right now.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Fold in your BBQ chicken mixture, marrying it with the mac and cheese. Give it a good stir so every bite gets a balance of smoky chicken, tangy BBQ flavor, and molten cheese. Taste and tweak the seasonings if needed—don’t be shy with a pinch of salt and pepper at this stage!

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Dole out generous bowls of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, and if you like, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of green and a little herby freshness. Hot, melty, and absolutely irresistible—be ready for instant smiles around your table.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of chopped parsley freshens and brightens every portion, but don’t stop there! Crispy fried onions, a pop of extra cheese, or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce over the top all pump up the wow-factor and bring even more texture and color to your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Side Dishes

This dish is a meal in itself, but a crisp green salad, tangy coleslaw, or roasted veggies help round out your dinner. For the classic comfort food route, a warm, crusty dinner roll or buttery cornbread served alongside BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese creates the ultimate cozy spread.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re looking to impress, try baking the finished BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in a casserole dish with an extra layer of cheese or breadcrumbs on top for a golden, bubbly crust. Or, scoop it into individual ramekins for adorable portions at potlucks and parties. For BBQ flair, serve in cast iron skillets or alongside mini cornbread muffins.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll keep well for about 3 days, making weekday lunches or after-school snacks a breeze. A bonus: the flavors get even better as they meld!

Freezing

Want to freeze it? Let the dish cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible. Properly packed BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place portions in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Warm in short bursts, stirring often, until hot. On the stovetop, reheat gently over low heat, again stirring in a little milk as needed. If you’re dealing with a large batch, a covered baking dish in the oven works beautifully—just don’t overbake, or it may dry out.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and soaks up BBQ sauce effortlessly. Just shred and follow the recipe as written—your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese will be just as flavorful and tender.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

It’s all about your preference! Choose a sauce you love, whether that’s smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy. The sauce flavor infuses the entire dish, so go bold and make your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese your own.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, you can! Simply swap the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check your BBQ sauce and seasonings for gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can dig in worry-free.

How can I make this dish a bit healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, reduced-fat cheese, or a lighter BBQ sauce. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for even more nutrients, all without sacrificing that classic BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese comfort.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?

Definitely. Assemble everything as directed, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready, simply reheat in the oven until bubbly and heated through. It’s a party-perfect dish that lets you spend more time with guests and less time in the kitchen.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend trying this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese enough—there’s just something magical about the blend of creamy cheese, smoky-sweet BBQ chicken, and tender pasta. Whether you’re cooking for kids, a cozy dinner at home, or a crowd of friends, this dish never fails to hit the spot. Go ahead, grab your favorite BBQ sauce and dive in—you’re in for something truly comforting and delicious!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 7 reviews

Author: Sophie
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 macaroni is combined with tender, flavorful BBQ chicken for a mouthwatering dish that will satisfy all your cravings.

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, then add the shredded chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
Prepare the BBQ chicken: Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken.
Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat milk and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
Combine everything: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, then mix in the BBQ chicken. Stir until well combined.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and add salt and pepper as needed.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy hot!

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