BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Transform your regular mac and cheese into something extraordinary with this smoky, cheesy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. This comfort food mashup combines tender shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy cheese sauce for a dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe takes two beloved comfort foods and creates something magical. The smoky BBQ flavors complement the rich, creamy cheese sauce perfectly, while the tender chicken adds protein and substance to make this a complete meal. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for entertaining guests.

The combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect cheese blend – cheddar brings sharp flavor while mozzarella adds that irresistible stretch. The touch of smoked paprika enhances the BBQ theme, giving the dish an extra layer of smoky depth that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 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)
  • 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
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken If your chicken isn’t already cooked, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Let cool, then shred using two forks. Toss the shredded chicken with 2 tablespoons of BBQ sauce and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce In the same large skillet or a heavy-bottomed saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, whisking until well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Fold in the BBQ chicken and remaining BBQ sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water or additional milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Final Touches Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Helpful Tips

Choose the Right BBQ Sauce: The type of BBQ sauce you use will significantly impact the flavor. Sweet and tangy sauces work best, but feel free to use your family favorite. Kansas City-style or honey BBQ sauces are excellent choices.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your macaroni just until al dente since it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce.

Cheese Temperature Matters: Add cheese to warm (not boiling) milk to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy or separating.

Make It Ahead: You can prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving for the best texture.

Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Difficulty: Easy

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe serves 6-8 people as a main dish or can stretch to feed more as a side dish. The combination of proteins and carbohydrates makes it incredibly satisfying, while the BBQ flavors add a fun twist that both kids and adults will love.

Notes

  • Chicken Shortcuts: Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time. Simply shred and toss with BBQ sauce.
  • Pasta Variations: While elbow macaroni is traditional, shells, cavatappi, or penne work wonderfully too.
  • Spice Level: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use a spicy BBQ sauce if you like heat.
  • Vegetable Additions: Consider adding diced bell peppers, corn, or green onions for extra flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese up to 2 days in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently and adding milk or cream as needed to restore the creamy texture. Microwave reheating works but may result in a less creamy consistency.

Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as dairy-based sauces can separate when thawed. If you must freeze, add extra milk when reheating and stir vigorously.

What BBQ sauce works best?
Sweet and tangy BBQ sauces complement the cheese beautifully. Avoid overly smoky or vinegar-heavy sauces that might overpower the dish.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. The dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk while reheating to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid storing at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe brings together the best of both worlds – creamy, cheesy comfort and smoky BBQ flavor. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple enough for weeknight dinners yet special enough for entertaining. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich cheese sauce creates a meal that satisfies on every level.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for the perfect potluck contribution, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers every time. The recipe is easily customizable, so feel free to adjust the BBQ sauce quantity or add your favorite mix-ins to make it your own. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a new favorite in your dinner rotation!

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