If you’re looking for a dish that guarantees instant happiness and full-on comfort, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers exactly that in every heavenly bite. This recipe marries two classic favorites: the smoky-sweet kick of barbecue chicken and the gooey, creamy excellence of cheesy macaroni. The result is a meal that’s rich, tangy, satisfyingly hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re trying to win over picky eaters, feed a rowdy group of friends, or simply indulge in a bit of nostalgia with a twist, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot in your comfort food lineup.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese lies in its straight-forward list of ingredients—each one playing a starring role in the flavor story. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy items, just a handful of basics that work together to create something unforgettable.

Chicken breast: Cooked and shredded for protein-packed bites that soak up every bit of BBQ flavor.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and a touch of richness when reheating the chicken and blooming the spices.
Elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice): The classic base with lots of nooks to capture all that cheesy goodness.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp, melty, and provides the backbone of the creamy sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Adds that irresistibly stretchy, gooey texture we all love in mac and cheese.
Milk (low-fat preferred): Makes the sauce luxuriously smooth while keeping it lighter than cream.
BBQ sauce: Your favorite brand brings bold, smoky, and sweet notes to make the flavor pop.
Garlic powder: Infuses a gentle savory essence without overpowering the star ingredients.
Onion powder: Layers in depth and a hint of sweetness that rounds out the sauce.
Smoked paprika: Gives the dish that subtle, delicious smokiness that complements the BBQ chicken.
Salt and pepper: Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle at the end adds fresh color and a hint of herbaceousness.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add your pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until just al dente, following the timing on your pasta package. Once the noodles are perfectly tender but still have a little bite, drain and set aside. This step is key—the right pasta texture makes every bite of your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese perfectly toothsome.

Step 2: Warm the Chicken

Grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium. Toss in your cooked, shredded chicken and let it warm up for a few minutes, stirring gently. This gets the chicken juicy and ready to absorb all those mouthwatering BBQ flavors in the next step.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken in BBQ Sauce

Add the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, plus salt and pepper to the skillet. Mix until your chicken is gloriously coated in that deep, smoky sauce. Let everything bubble together for another minute to marry the flavors—this step infuses each bit of chicken with the spirit of classic barbecue, which takes the mac and cheese component to a new level.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, heat your milk gently over medium heat (don’t let it boil or the cheese could get grainy). Once warm, add both the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring steadily until they melt into a silky, dreamy sauce. This creamy blend is where the comfort part of this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese really shines through.

Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add your drained pasta to the pot of cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every noodle. Watch how the cheese clings to the macaroni, promising loads of flavor in every forkful. Make sure everything is evenly combined before the next step.

Step 6: Fold in the BBQ Chicken

Spoon your BBQ chicken mixture into the macaroni and cheese, then stir—gently but thoroughly—so every bite is packed with saucy chicken and creamy cheese. At this point, you’ll see the magic of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese come together. Taste and add a pinch of salt or pepper if you prefer.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Scoop the mac and cheese into bowls (or plates, if you like). Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful pop and serve hot. Your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is now ready to wow your taste buds, friends, and family alike.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

For that irresistible finishing touch, a handful of freshly chopped parsley adds brightness and color to the dish. If you want to get extra fancy, try a light dusting of smoked paprika or a quick drizzle of extra BBQ sauce right before serving—both take the appearance (and flavor) to the next level.

Side Dishes

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it also shines when paired with simple sides. Consider a crisp green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette, honey cornbread muffins, or some grilled veggies for a hit of freshness and crunch alongside all that creamy comfort.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or looking to shake things up, try piling BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into individual ramekins for cute, personal servings. You can even bake a little extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust. For parties, serve it as sliders or stuff it inside roasted bell peppers for a show-stopping twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Transfer it to an airtight container once cooled and stash it away. The flavors deepen over time, making next-day servings almost as good (if not better) than the first.

Freezing

To freeze, ladle the cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Just be aware: while freezing works, the sauce can sometimes lose a bit of its ultra-creamy texture, so stir well after reheating to bring it back to life.

Reheating

Reheat BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive the creamy consistency. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken or separating the cheese sauce.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick, flavorful shortcut for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Just shred it up, skip right to the warming step, and you’re off to the races.

Which BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Your favorite brand will shine here, whether that’s sweet and smoky, tangy, or even spicy. If you want a deeper flavor, try a sauce with a smoked or hickory profile—it’ll bring an extra layer to the mac and cheese magic.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your BBQ sauce is certified gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so everyone can dig in worry-free.

Is it possible to make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish, store it covered in the fridge, and then gently reheat when you’re ready to serve. If the sauce thickens up overnight, add a splash of milk to loosen it back to creamy perfection.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Go for it! Diced bell peppers, sautéed onions, or even a handful of baby spinach stir in nicely. Adding veggies is a fun way to sneak in extra nutrients without sacrificing any flavor or comfort.

Final Thoughts

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is one of those recipes you’ll turn to again and again—whether you need a pick-me-up, an easy weeknight dinner, or an all-out family favorite. Each spoonful brings together the comforting flavors of mac and cheese with the bold, sweet tang of barbecue chicken. Seriously, give it a try and get ready to fall a little bit in love with your new go-to comfort dish!