BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese — Cheesy Crowd-Pleaser

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Creamy, smoky, and irresistibly cheesy, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the kind of comfort food that fills the kitchen with warm aromas and happy appetites. Tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy barbecue sauce combines with a rich three-cheese sauce and tender pasta for a crowd-pleasing casserole that’s simple enough for weeknights and impressive enough for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love ThisBBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare—most steps use straightforward stovetop techniques before a short bake.
  • Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you can keep on hand or swap with pantry staples.
  • Perfect for family meals or entertaining—feeds a crowd and reheats well for leftovers.

A Little Background

Mac and cheese is a universal comfort classic; adding BBQ-flavored chicken gives it a Southern-inspired twist that balances creamy, cheesy richness with smoky-sweet tang. This fusion is ideal for when you want familiar comfort with a lively flavor boost—great in cooler months or whenever you crave a hearty, satisfying meal.

Key Ingredients for perfect BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

  • Elbow macaroni: Cooks to tender, holdable bites that catch the sauce.
  • Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie or leftover chicken adds protein and texture.
  • Barbecue sauce: Tangy-sweet sauce flavors the chicken and lifts the whole dish.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Provides bold, melty cheesiness for the sauce.
  • Milk (or milk + cream): Creates a silky base for the cheese sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions to make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, drain and set aside.
  2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to make a roux and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk (and a splash of cream if you like) until smooth and slightly thickened.
  3. Lower the heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar (reserve a little for topping) until melted and silky. Season with salt, pepper and a pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder if desired.
  4. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then stir in shredded cooked chicken and enough barbecue sauce to coat (taste and adjust for sweetness or tang).
  5. Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with remaining cheddar and optional breadcrumbs, then bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  6. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving so the sauce sets slightly—then scoop, garnish, and enjoy.

Pro Tips & Variations

  • Use rotisserie chicken for speedy prep and deeper flavor; shred it and mix with BBQ sauce before adding to the pasta.
  • To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk and warm gently on the stovetop or in the oven to restore creaminess.
  • Variations: stir in chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or pickled jalapeños for heat; swap smoked gouda for part of the cheddar for a smokier profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with crisp coleslaw, buttery cornbread, or a simple green salad to cut through the richness. It pairs well with an ice-cold beer, iced tea, or a bright citrusy lemonade for casual gatherings.

Golden, bubbly BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese—comfort food with a tangy twist.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Comforting, creamy macaroni cloaked in a rich cheddar sauce and swirled with tangy-sweet barbecue shredded chicken—easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large pot
  • 1 Colander
  • 1 Saucepan
  • 1 Whisk
  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish (or similar)

Ingredients
  

Pasta

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or similar short pasta
  • Kosher salt for pasta water

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk whole or 2%, warmed
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika optional, for smoky depth
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder optional
  • 1 tsp kosher salt to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper to taste

BBQ Chicken & Assembly

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie or leftover
  • 1 cup barbecue sauce plus more to taste

Topping

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs optional, for crunch
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter melted, if using breadcrumbs
  • Sliced green onions or chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Pasta

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cheese Sauce

  • In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.
  • Gradually whisk in the warm milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, 3–5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.

BBQ Chicken & Assembly

  • In a bowl, combine shredded cooked chicken with barbecue sauce until evenly coated. Adjust sweetness or tang to taste.
  • Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Gently stir in the BBQ chicken until evenly distributed.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar. If using, toss panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
  • Bake 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top. Rest 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets.
  • Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired. Serve warm with extra BBQ sauce on the side.

Notes

Cook pasta just shy of al dente—it will finish in the oven. Warm milk helps prevent a lumpy sauce. For smokier depth, use a hickory or mesquite-style BBQ sauce. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm gently until creamy again.

Nutrition

Serving: 300gCalories: 620kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 33gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 105mgSodium: 980mgFiber: 2gSugar: 12g
Keyword Barbecue, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, mac and cheese
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