BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with a comfort food classic that’s gotten a seriously delicious upgrade: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish combines the gooey, creamy satisfaction of classic mac and cheese with savory, sweet, and smoky BBQ chicken, making it the ultimate dinner for both weeknight cravings and crowd-pleasing occasions. If you adore layers of melty cheese, a hit of barbecue, and perfectly tender pasta, you’re in for a treat—this recipe is a total game changer!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long ingredient list for remarkable BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! Each component is carefully chosen to bring flavor, color, and that crave-worthy texture in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need, and why it matters:

• Chicken breasts: Lean and juicy, these soak up the BBQ sauce beautifully and provide hearty protein for the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage, these amplify the overall flavor.
• Chipotle powder: This smoky spice adds a subtle kick and a rich depth that pairs beautifully with barbecue sauce.
• Garlic powder: A familiar favorite, garlic brings a savory warmth to both chicken and cheese sauce.
• Oil: Just a bit ensures the chicken cooks up golden and doesn’t stick to your pan.
• Barbecue sauce: The star of the show! Choose your favorite brand for a balance of tangy, sweet, and smoky.
• Buffalo sauce (optional): For fans of a spicy little twist, this can level up the flavor profile.
• Medium shells: Their shape holds onto all that luscious cheese and chicken—feel free to use gluten-free if you’d like.
• Butter: Rich and indulgent, it forms the buttery base of your creamy cheese sauce.
• All-purpose flour: This thickens your sauce, giving it that classic, velvety finish.
• Milk (or chicken broth): The liquid magic for your cheese sauce—use your favorite milk or broth for extra savoriness.
• Water (or more broth): Helps achieve just the right sauce texture without overpowering the other flavors.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar is a must for a bold cheese pull and rich taste.
• Pepper jack cheese: Adds creaminess and a mild heat that flatters both the BBQ and the buffalo elements.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half, which helps them cook evenly and quickly. Toss the pieces with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder, making sure every surface is well coated. This seasoning sets the foundation for wildly flavorful BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned chicken on each side for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a couple of minutes, then shred or chop it into bite-size pieces—perfect for folding into the pasta later.

Step 3: Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce (and Buffalo, if Using)

Transfer your shredded chicken to a big bowl and stir in the BBQ sauce (and buffalo sauce, if you’re going spicy). Make sure every morsel is coated—the more sauce, the juicier and more flavorful your final BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese will be!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken cools, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your medium shells, cooking them according to the package directions until al dente (they’ll soak up more sauce in the oven, so don’t overcook). Drain well and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

Using the same pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour until fully combined, forming a smooth roux. Add salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder, then slowly pour in your milk and water (or broth), whisking constantly. Cook until the mixture thickens into a glossy sauce, then add the shredded cheddar and pepper jack. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese Sauce

Add the cooked pasta and BBQ-coated chicken directly into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine everything. The sauce should generously coat every shell and shred of chicken, blending all those epic flavors into one heavenly mix.

Step 7: Bake (Optional, But Recommended!)

If you have the patience for one final step, spoon the mixture into a 9×9 casserole dish. Sprinkle a bit of extra cheddar over the top and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce for beautiful contrast and added flavor. Bake in a preheated oven at 400ºF for about 15 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Don’t forget to garnish with chopped cilantro before serving!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A little topping goes a long way with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Freshly snipped cilantro adds brightness and color, while a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese is always welcome! Try sliced green onions or a drizzle of extra barbecue sauce for more dramatic presentation.

Side Dishes

Balance out the richness with fresh, crispy side salads or tangy coleslaw. Roasted broccoli or green beans are also perfect to round out the meal. For something fun, serve warm cornbread or soft rolls to soak up every last drop of cheesy sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, or serve in a cast iron skillet at the table for that swoon-worthy restaurant vibe. For parties, spoon it into mini slider buns—mac and cheese sliders are always a hit!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to airtight containers and refrigerate. It keeps beautifully for up to three days. A quick stir before reheating revives the creamy cheese sauce.

Freezing

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese can definitely be frozen! Portion into freezer-safe containers, let cool completely, and freeze for up to two months. Just label and date your stash for quick, comforting dinners down the line.

Reheating

To reheat, warm in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce as needed. If you’re reheating a large batch, cover with foil and bake at 350ºF until hot and bubbly. Stir well to ensure even heat and preserve that creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut—simply toss it with your seasonings and BBQ sauce before adding to the pasta for a super quick BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese fix.

Can I make this recipe gluten free?

Yes, easily! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and swap in a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the sauce. The results will be just as creamy and satisfying as the original.

How spicy is this dish with the buffalo sauce?

The buffalo sauce adds a mild to moderate heat, especially when balanced with the richness of the cheese and the sweetness of the BBQ sauce. If you love a bit of kick, go for it—if not, simply leave it out.

Can I add veggies to this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Definitely! Diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, or even some sweet corn are delicious extras that add texture and pops of color to the mac and cheese.

What’s the best barbecue sauce to use?

It’s really up to your personal preference! A classic smoky and sweet BBQ sauce works wonderfully, but you can go spicy, tangy, or even a bit fruity—whatever you love will work great in BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese—every spoonful is a reminder of why comfort food is so beloved. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this cheesy, saucy creation; you might just find it becomes your new go-to dinner!

Print