If you’re craving a soul-satisfying meal that brings together creamy comfort and smoky zest, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, shredded chicken bathed in tangy barbecue sauce, mingling perfectly with molten cheddar and mozzarella, all wrapped around al dente pasta. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing centerpiece at your next gathering. Once you make this, it will quickly become a go-to favorite for its bold flavor and rich texture that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing this comforting BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. Each component shines in its simple yet essential role: from the creamy blend of cheeses that create the luscious sauce to the smoky spices that elevate the chicken and tie the dish together flawlessly.
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded: Provides tender, protein-packed bites that soak up all the BBQ flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps warm the chicken evenly and adds a hint of richness.
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand): Brings the signature tangy, smoky punch that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle savory depth to the chicken mixture.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with mild sweetness and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Lifts the smoky notes and adds beautiful color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing every ingredient’s taste.
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice: The perfect pasta shape to hold onto that creamy cheese sauce.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, classic cheesiness to the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds smooth, stretchy texture and mild flavor.
- 1 cup milk (low-fat preferred): Creates the creamy base for the cheese sauce without being too heavy.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Introduces a fresh pop of color and subtle herbal brightness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the macaroni or your preferred pasta according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente – firm to the bite but tender. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you move on to the next steps. This base is essential because it will soak up all the rich sauce and flavors without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Warm the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your cooked, shredded chicken and stir for 2-3 minutes until heated through. This step ensures the chicken is warm and ready to absorb the delicious BBQ seasoning you’ll add next.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
Now, stir in the BBQ sauce along with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly so that every shred of chicken is coated in that flavorful BBQ blend. Set this tasty mixture aside while you whip up the cheese sauce — trust me, your kitchen is already smelling incredible.
Step 4: Prepare Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the cheeses fully melt and you get a gorgeously smooth, creamy sauce – the heart of this entire recipe.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Pour your drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir gently, making sure every piece of macaroni is luxuriously coated with that silky cheese goodness. This step creates the comforting mac and cheese base that’s so hard to resist.
Step 6: Add BBQ Chicken Mixture
Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture carefully, mixing until everything is combined and evenly distributed. Now your dish has that perfect balance of smoky chicken and creamy pasta, all blended together beautifully.
Step 7: Taste and Serve
Give your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe a final taste and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if you like for a splash of color and fresh flavor zing. This step brings everything together, and your taste buds will thank you!
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a fantastic, simple garnish that adds a vibrant touch and contrast to the rich, creamy dish. You can also sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar on top and broil briefly for a golden, bubbly crust that adds texture and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs delightfully with crisp green salads, roasted veggies, or even tangy coleslaw. These sides introduce fresh, crunchy elements that balance the richness of the mac and cheese and elevate the entire meal experience.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this dish in adorable mini cast-iron skillets or individual oven-safe bowls for a crowd-pleasing presentation. You might also consider layering it in a casserole style with a sprinkle of crushed crispy onions or bacon bits on top for added crunch and burst of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Freeze in portion-sized freezer-safe containers or bags for up to two months. To avoid a watery texture, freeze it without any fresh herbs or extra garnishes and add those fresh upon reheating.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming and creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk or cream can help restore the sauce’s smoothness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, feel free to use shells, rotini, or even penne. Just keep in mind that smaller shapes tend to hold the cheese sauce best, enhancing each bite.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
You can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the chicken with BBQ-flavored roasted vegetables or plant-based chicken alternatives. Just ensure you adjust cooking times accordingly for the best texture.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce that aligns with your taste preference – whether sweet, smoky, or tangy. A thicker sauce blends well with the cheese, but you can experiment and find your perfect match.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor. Just shred it finely and follow the recipe instructions as is for a super quick and tasty meal.
How spicy is this dish?
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe has mild warmth from smoked paprika, but is generally not spicy. If you want a kick, feel free to add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to taste.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is the perfect blend of creamy comfort and smoky delight that will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s straightforward to make yet impressively flavorful, making it an ideal dish for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and experience that warm, cheesy goodness with a tangy BBQ twist that’s bound to delight everyone at your table.
Print
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and comforting BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combining tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, served over perfectly cooked macaroni. This quick 25-minute stovetop dish is perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk (low-fat preferred)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Warm the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, stirring for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Season the Chicken: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated and heated. Set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, pour in the milk. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained, cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Add BBQ Chicken Mixture: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, mixing well until everything is combined and evenly distributed.
- Taste and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like.
Notes
- Use low-fat milk to keep the cheese sauce creamy but lighter.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer.
