Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe You’ll Love

Recipe By:

Ruth

Posted:

September 15, 2025

Updated:

September 15, 2025

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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy delight that dances on your taste buds with every bite. Imagine tender chunks of chicken infused with smoky barbecue sauce, enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that promises to warm your heart and fill your belly.

I remember the first time I made BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for my family. The way their eyes lit up as they took their first bites was priceless. This dish has quickly become a staple at our gatherings, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a backyard barbecue. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
The rich, smoky flavors create a delightful balance that keeps everyone coming back for more
Its vibrant colors make it an attractive dish that’s sure to impress any guest
Plus, it’s versatile enough to be served as a main course or side dish at any gathering

I once served this dish at a potluck, and my friends literally fought over the last scoop—talk about a crowd-pleaser!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand; sweet or smoky varieties work wonders here.
Pasta (Macaroni): Elbow macaroni is traditional, but feel free to explore other shapes like shells or cavatappi.
Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for that distinct flavor kick; freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded.
Milk: Whole milk gives the cheese sauce its creamy texture; skim milk just won’t cut it.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavor without adding extra salt.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps create that luscious cheese sauce; don’t skip this step!
Onion Powder: A pinch of onion powder adds depth to the flavor profile.
Garlic Powder: Because who doesn’t love garlic? It elevates everything!
Salt and Pepper: To taste; seasoning is key in making flavors pop!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Cook the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, add some oil and cook the chicken until golden brown on both sides. This usually takes about 6-8 minutes per side.

Add BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the heat and drizzle generously with BBQ sauce. Let it rest while you prepare the pasta—this ensures maximum flavor absorption!

Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you whip up that cheesy goodness.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour until smooth—this will be your roux! Gradually stir in milk, whisking constantly until thickened and creamy.

Add Cheddar: Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra kick!

Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken coated in BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is coated in melty goodness!

Now pour this glorious mixture into a greased baking dish.

Baking Time:

Preheat your oven again if needed to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Your kitchen will smell like heaven!

Once done baking, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving—this gives everything time to settle down so you don’t burn your mouth off with molten cheese!

And there you have it: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that’ll make even mac-and-cheese skeptics reconsider! Serve it hot alongside some garlic bread or salad for a complete meal—or just grab a spoon and dig right in!

You Must Know

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy goodness with smoky flavors
This dish is a crowd-pleaser that can easily become your go-to comfort food with its rich textures and enticing aromas wafting through your kitchen

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by grilling the chicken to infuse it with flavor, then boil the pasta while preparing the creamy cheese sauce for optimal efficiency and taste.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding jalapeños for heat or swapping out cheddar for gouda to give this dish your unique flavor twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For the best texture, cook pasta al dente before mixing it with cheese sauce
Use freshly grated cheese for maximum creaminess and flavor
Don’t skip the grilling step; it adds essential smoky notes to your mac and cheese

Sometimes I whip up BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for gatherings, and watching everyone’s faces light up as they take their first bites is pure joy.

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this recipe, saving you time.

What type of cheese is best for this dish?

A combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella creates the perfect creamy texture and flavor balance.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it ahead and refrigerate before baking; just add a few extra minutes to cooking time.

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