If you’re craving a meal that brings together all the best comfort food elements—creamy, cheesy, a little bit smoky, with just the right tangy sweetness—BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is about to become your new favorite. This dish takes classic macaroni and cheese on a delicious joyride with tender BBQ chicken and a signature swirl of sauce. It’s a recipe that never fails to wow crowds at potlucks or simply satisfy a hungry family on a busy weeknight. The layers of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan will make you swoon, while smoked paprika and garlic add just enough flair to keep you reaching for seconds. Yes, it’s indulgent—but every bite is absolutely worth it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is refreshingly simple but carefully assembled for maximum crave-worthiness. Every component adds something special: creamy base, gooey melt, smoky flavor, and that all-important BBQ kick.
- Elbow macaroni (1 pound): The perfect pasta to hold onto all that luscious cheese sauce in each bite.
- Cooked shredded BBQ chicken (2 cups): Adds heartiness and smoky barbecue flavor; rotisserie or any leftover chicken works beautifully.
- Butter (3 tablespoons): Lays the foundation for a rich, silky roux.
- All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Keeps the sauce rich yet pourable for that classic creamy texture.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Makes everything silkier and adds a luxurious mouthfeel.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (3 cups): Delivers classic sharpness and dreamy melt.
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup): Brings mild creaminess and great stretchy texture.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Rounds out the cheese flavor with a salty, nutty edge.
- Smoked paprika (½ teaspoon): Infuses the dish with deep, smoky undertones to echo the BBQ notes.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds zing and complements both cheese and chicken.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Subtle sweetness and savoriness to boost complexity.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Brightens and lifts all the flavors together.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Just enough bite for balanced seasoning.
- BBQ sauce (½ cup): The star of the show—brings tang, smoke, and a beautiful swirl.
- Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish): A fresh, vibrant note to finish each serving.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Get the Pasta Going
Start by boiling a big pot of salted water and cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, since the pasta will soak up some of the sauce later. Drain it well and set aside—it’s about to dive into cheese paradise!
Step 2: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s bubbly but not browned. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about one to two minutes—this makes a roux, the magic behind any great mac and cheese. Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking all the while to avoid lumps. Let this thicken slightly, then stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Now, add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until everything melts into a smooth, creamy pool.
Step 3: Marry the Pasta and Sauce
Once your cheese sauce has reached peak silkiness, add in the cooked macaroni, stirring until each piece is coated in that velvety goodness. This ensures every bite of your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese gets equal love from the sauce.
Step 4: Add the BBQ Chicken and Signature Swirl
Gently fold in your shredded BBQ chicken, letting it distribute throughout the pasta. Drizzle in the BBQ sauce and give it a quick stir—just enough to create beautiful swirls without fully blending the sauce. These pockets of tangy BBQ are what make this dish so irresistible!
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Transfer everything to a serving dish or individual bowls. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is now ready for devouring!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Garnishes
A generous shower of chopped fresh parsley works wonders for color and a grassy brightness. For a little crunch, you can top with crispy fried onions or even a sprinkle of toasty breadcrumbs. A light dusting of extra smoked paprika or black pepper lends a rustic flourish. Personalize your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with your favorites—this dish loves a little flair.
Side Dishes
The creamy, flavorful richness of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese pairs perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or some garlic-roasted broccoli. Cornbread, coleslaw, or sliced pickles also bring playful contrasts and make your meal complete—think picnic vibes on any night of the week.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, scoop the mac and cheese into mini ramekins or muffin tins for adorable, hand-held portions. To really impress at your next cookout, serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in hollowed-out bread bowls or alongside baked potatoes. You can even stuff it into bell peppers and bake for a fun, colorful twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Those flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if you find the leftovers even more irresistible the next day!
Freezing
This dish freezes well, especially if you let it cool completely first. Freeze in individual portions or as a batch for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
Reheating
Rewarm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore that signature creaminess. If you love the baked approach, pop leftovers into the oven at 350°F until heated through and a little crusty on the top.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni holds sauce perfectly, feel free to try shells, penne, or cavatappi—whatever shape makes you happiest. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use in BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
This is where you get to play: sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy BBQ sauce all work wonders here. Pick a sauce you love, whether it’s homemade or store-bought, and it’ll make the dish truly your own.
Can I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare everything up to the final cheese stir, then cool, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add a little splash of milk if needed before garnishing and enjoying.
Is there a lighter version of this recipe?
For a lighter take, swap heavy cream for more milk, use reduced-fat cheeses, and try grilled chicken breast without too much sauce. The dish will still pack plenty of flavor and comfort.
What can I do if my cheese sauce gets too thick?
If your sauce is looking a little too thick, simply add an extra splash of milk or chicken broth and whisk until you reach your desired consistency. That creamy dreamy texture is just a stir away!
Final Thoughts
No matter the occasion, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese guarantees a table full of happy smiles and clean plates. It’s the kind of dish people remember, ask for seconds of, and beg you to make again. If you’re ready to add a new classic to your cozy dinner rotation, this is the recipe to try—you’ll fall in love at the very first bite!
Print
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and flavorful BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni smothered in a rich cheese sauce, mixed with shredded BBQ chicken, and finished with a drizzle of BBQ sauce – a crowd-pleaser for any occasion!
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded BBQ chicken
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, cooking until slightly thickened. Stir in spices and add cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce. Fold in shredded BBQ chicken and BBQ sauce, creating swirls.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with parsley, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a baked version, pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish, top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
