If you’re a fan of comfort food with bold flavors, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a must-try. It’s the perfect marriage of smoky, tangy BBQ chicken and rich, creamy mac and cheese—all in one mouthwatering dish. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing party recipe that everyone will love.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavor Combo: Smoky BBQ sauce meets creamy cheddar and mozzarella.
- Quick & Easy: Made in 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
- Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Customizable: Make it spicy, extra cheesy, or toss in veggies.
🧀 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Breast – Cooked and shredded (or use rotisserie chicken for ease)
- BBQ Sauce – Sweet, smoky, or spicy—your choice!
- Macaroni Pasta – Or any short pasta like penne or rotini
- Cheddar Cheese – For richness and sharpness
- Mozzarella Cheese – Adds gooey, melty texture
- Milk – For a creamy base (low-fat or whole)
- Butter & Flour – To make a smooth cheese sauce
- Spices – Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
- Fresh Parsley – Optional garnish for a pop of color
🍽️ How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet until done (about 6–7 minutes per side). Shred with two forks. - Boil the Pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually stir in milk and cook until thickened. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and spices. Stir until smooth. - Mix It All Together
Combine pasta, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce into the cheese sauce. Stir until fully coated and creamy. - Serve & Enjoy
Top with fresh parsley and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce if desired.
🍴 Serving Ideas
- With Garlic Bread – To soak up every drop of sauce
- Fresh Salad – Something crisp to balance the richness
- Roasted Veggies – Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans
💡 Tips & Variations
- Make it Spicy: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Short on Time? Use store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Add Bacon: Crumble crispy bacon over the top for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for roasted veggies or meatless alternatives.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
🧊 Freezer Friendly!
Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven.
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I use a different cheese?
A: Yes! Try gouda, Monterey jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Prepare everything and store in the fridge. Reheat when ready to serve.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, just scale up the ingredients for a larger batch—great for parties!
🍗 BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
📝 Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked & shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken until warmed. Stir in BBQ sauce and seasonings.
- In a separate saucepan, heat milk and melt cheese into it to form a creamy sauce.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce. Mix well until evenly coated.
- Garnish with parsley and serve warm.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on two classic dishes—comforting, creamy, and packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or meal prep for the week, it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen.