Introduction

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a mouthwatering twist on the classic comfort food we all love. Combining smoky BBQ chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta creates a dish that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
2 tablespoons olive oil (if using breadcrumbs)
Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 1 tablespoon of salt). Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
Step 2: Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 7: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce. Gently fold together.
Step 8: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and fold until evenly mixed.
Step 9: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
Step 10: Pour the BBQ chicken mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 11: If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil and sprinkle over the top.
Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Check around the 20-minute mark to prevent burning.
Step 13: Remove from the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
For extra smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce.
Swap rotisserie chicken for pulled pork or grilled sausage for variation.
Omit breadcrumbs for a creamier, casserole-style dish.
Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage

Store leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any medium-sized pasta like shells, penne, or rotini will work well in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add vegetables like roasted peppers, mushrooms, or corn for extra flavor and texture.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.5 from 99 reviews

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce, tender shredded BBQ chicken, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Finished with a crispy breadcrumb topping and baked to golden perfection, this hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Chicken

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken)
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil

Garnish (Optional)

Chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding about 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process, then set aside.
Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden, ensuring the flour taste is cooked out.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add Cheeses: Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce until they are fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and BBQ Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and drained pasta, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce. Gently fold the ingredients together to coat everything evenly.
Mix with Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture. Fold gently until the cheese sauce is evenly distributed throughout.
Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
Add Breadcrumb Topping (Optional): If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil until combined and sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese mixture.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. Begin checking at around 20 minutes to prevent over-browning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

Using rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves prep time.
Whole milk gives the creamiest cheese sauce, but 2% milk can be used as a lighter alternative.
Customize the BBQ sauce to suit your spice and flavor preferences.
The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy contrast.
Letting the baked mac and cheese rest helps it set and makes it easier to serve.

Keywords: BBQ chicken mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, BBQ chicken recipe