If you love comfort food with a smoky twist, then BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese with tender, flavorful BBQ chicken that adds a delightful smoky kick. Every bite blends smooth cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich barbecue flavors, making it an irresistible meal for family dinners, gatherings, or when you just want something cozy and satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings together the best of two beloved favorites into one delicious plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort Food Remix: Combines two classic dishes into one indulgent, crowd-pleasing meal.
Flavor Explosion: Smoky BBQ chicken pairs perfectly with creamy, cheesy pasta for a taste that hits all the right notes.
Easy to Customize: You can effortlessly tweak spices, cheese types, or add veggies to suit your preferences.
Great for Any Occasion: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even cozy solo nights.
One-Pan Wonder: Minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor and comfort.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese plays a vital role in balancing flavor and texture, creating a dish that is both creamy and smoky with just the right amount of zest. This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find staples that pack a punch.

Macaroni pasta: Classic elbow macaroni works best for trapping the cheesy sauce and BBQ bits.
Cooked chicken: Pre-cooked, shredded chicken is perfect to soak up the smoky BBQ sauce.
BBQ sauce: Adds that iconic smoky, sweet, and tangy flavor that defines the dish.
Cheese blend: A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella ensures a gooey, rich cheese sauce.
Milk and butter: These create the smooth, creamy béchamel base for the cheese sauce.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce for that velvety consistency.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and a hint of smoked paprika enhance the BBQ flavors.

Variations for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

This recipe is a fantastic starting point, easy to personalize for all tastes and dietary needs. Whether you want more spice, extra veggies, or a twist on the protein, it’s simple to adjust without losing the essence of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat.
Veggie Boost: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, corn, or spinach for added color and nutrition.
Bacon Crunch: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a delicious smoky crunch.
Cheese Swap: Use gouda or pepper jack instead of cheddar for a unique flavor profile.
Gluten-Free: Swap macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend.

Why BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a Must-Try

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. This ensures your pasta has a perfect bite without becoming mushy later in the dish.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for a minute to form a roux, then gradually add milk while continuously stirring until thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.

Step 3: Mix in BBQ Chicken

Fold shredded, cooked chicken into the cheese sauce along with the BBQ sauce, stirring well to coat every piece in that smoky goodness.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the cheese and BBQ chicken mixture over the cooked pasta, stirring gently until every noodle is covered in cheesy, smoky flavor.

Step 5: Bake or Serve

For a golden, bubbly top, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 350°F until bubbly and lightly browned, or serve immediately for a quicker meal.

Pro Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Use sharp cheddar: It provides intense flavor that stands up to the BBQ sauce’s smokiness.
Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better during baking without turning mushy.
Warm the milk: Adding warm milk to the roux helps avoid lumps in your cheese sauce.
Choose quality BBQ sauce: A smoky, flavorful BBQ sauce makes a big difference.
Reserve some cheese for topping: Adds a beautiful crust when baked.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Top your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with freshly chopped green onions or crispy fried onions to add a fresh bite and textural contrast that brightens each creamy forkful.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple green salads or roasted vegetables, balancing the richness with fresh, crisp flavors and a variety of textures.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in mini cast iron skillets for single portions, or scoop it into bell pepper halves for a colorful and festive presentation that’s both eye-catching and tasty.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well—store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meals on busy days.

Reheating

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if the mac and cheese feels dry.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option that works perfectly in this recipe, saving you time while still delivering great taste.

What type of cheese is best for this dish?

A sharp cheddar combined with mozzarella creates the ideal balance of flavor and gooey texture, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like gouda or pepper jack.

Is it okay to skip baking and serve it straight from the stove?

Yes, serving immediately without baking results in a creamy, saucy dish—baking adds a nice crust, but both methods are delicious.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese dairy-free?

Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and plant-based milk, and substitute butter with vegan margarine to make this dish suitable for dairy-free diets.

How spicy is BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?

The recipe is typically mild, but you can spice it up by adding hot sauce or diced jalapeños to suit your heat preference.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together creamy, cheesy comfort food with smoky, tangy BBQ flavors in a way that feels like a warm hug on your plate. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just craving something satisfying and delicious, this recipe is a must-try. Dive in and enjoy every cheesy, smoky bite—you won’t regret it!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy classic mac and cheese with tender, smoky BBQ chicken for a comforting, flavorful meal. This dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni smothered in a rich cheese sauce blended with sharp cheddar and mozzarella, then mixed with shredded BBQ chicken. It can be baked for a golden crust or served immediately for a creamy experience, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Author: Lilly
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling, Stovetop, Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free pasta and flour)

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni

Chicken and Sauce

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 cup BBQ sauce

Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
2 cups milk (warmed)
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Seasonings

Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking and mushiness later.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
Mix in BBQ Chicken: Add shredded cooked chicken and BBQ sauce into the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all chicken pieces with smoky BBQ flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese and BBQ chicken mixture over the cooked pasta. Gently stir until every noodle is fully covered with the cheesy, smoky sauce.
Bake or Serve: For a golden, bubbly top, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned. Alternatively, serve immediately for a quick, creamy dish.

Notes

Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
Do not overcook pasta; al dente maintains texture during baking.
Add warm milk gradually to the roux to prevent lumps in the sauce.
Pick a quality BBQ sauce to enhance the smoky flavor.
Reserve extra cheese for topping to create a delicious crust when baked.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 750 mg
Fat: 20 g
Saturated Fat: 11 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, smoky mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, barbecue chicken recipe