When the craving for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese hits, nothing else will do. It’s creamy, cheesy, smoky, and just the right amount of indulgent. Imagine your favorite creamy mac and cheese hugging tender BBQ-coated chicken, all wrapped up in one cozy stovetop dinner. Sounds like heaven, right?
This dish is what I like to call “happy food.” The kind of meal that fixes bad days, celebrates good ones, and makes everyone at the table stop talking for a few blissful minutes while they savor each bite. And the best part? It comes together in just 25 minutes—faster than waiting on takeout.
Perfect for weeknights when you’re juggling schedules or when you want a no-fuss meal that still feels a little special, this cheesy BBQ pasta will quickly become a family favorite. Bonus: it reheats beautifully, so you can sneak a bowl the next day (no judgment here).
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
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Creamy mac and cheese gets a smoky, tangy twist.
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Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients.
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Ready in just 25 minutes for a stress-free stovetop dinner.
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The perfect chicken comfort food for busy families.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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450 g (1 lb) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
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15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
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225 g (8 oz) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
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200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
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100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
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240 ml (1 cup) milk (low-fat preferred)
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120 ml (½ cup) BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
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5 ml (1 tsp) garlic powder
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5 ml (1 tsp) onion powder
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2.5 ml (½ tsp) smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
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Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
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Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until the chicken is fully coated.
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In a saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Slowly stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
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Add the pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing until every piece is coated.
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Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and stir to combine.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley if you like a pop of color.
Cooking Tips for Creamy Success
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Don’t overcook your pasta. Slightly underdone is best since it will soak up that dreamy cheese sauce.
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Cheese choice matters. Sharp cheddar gives depth, while mozzarella adds that irresistible stretch factor.
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BBQ sauce personality. Sweet, smoky, or spicy—it’s up to you! Pick a sauce that matches your mood (or what’s in your fridge).
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Make it extra indulgent. Top with crispy bacon bits or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for texture.
A Story from My Kitchen
This recipe was born out of one of those “what’s for dinner?” moments when I had leftover BBQ chicken and a box of pasta staring me down. Instead of serving them separately, I decided to play matchmaker—and oh boy, it was love at first bite.
Now it’s a regular on our table. My kids request it after soccer practice, and my husband swears it tastes like restaurant-level comfort food. Honestly, I love it just as much the next day, sneaking a bowl while scrolling through emails—it’s that good.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Since this dish is rich and creamy, I like pairing it with something fresh and crisp. A green salad with a zippy vinaigrette balances it out nicely. Steamed broccoli or roasted veggies are also a great choice.
If you’re hosting friends, serve it family-style with cornbread and a pitcher of sweet tea—it feels like a backyard cookout but with a cozy twist. For a game-day spread, pair with coleslaw and call it a win.
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers? Consider yourself lucky! Store cooled mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months.
When reheating, add a splash of milk before microwaving or warming on the stovetop to bring the sauce back to life. Avoid baking it again unless you want a drier casserole-style dish.
FAQs About This Stovetop Dinner
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?
Yes! It’s a total time-saver and works beautifully in this recipe.
Can I make this without dairy?
Absolutely. Swap dairy milk and cheese for plant-based alternatives—just note the sauce may be less creamy.
What pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, cavatappi, or penne hold the cheesy sauce well.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes! Make it ahead, refrigerate, and reheat with a splash of milk. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks.
One Last Bite
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is comfort food in a bowl—creamy, cheesy, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that makes the whole table happy, whether you’re feeding kids after school or hosting a casual get-together.
So grab that skillet, pour yourself a glass of something refreshing, and dig in. Because some nights, nothing beats a bowl of creamy, cheesy BBQ pasta that tastes like a hug from the inside out.
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Print
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, smoky comfort food classic that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Tender shredded chicken coated in BBQ sauce is folded into rich homemade mac and cheese for the ultimate weeknight dinner. Fast, family-friendly, and totally crave-worthy, this stovetop dinner is sure to become a regular on your menu.
Ingredients
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450 g (1 lb) cooked, shredded chicken breast
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15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
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225 g (8 oz) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
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200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
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100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
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240 ml (1 cup) milk (preferably low-fat)
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120 ml (½ cup) BBQ sauce (any style)
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5 ml (1 tsp) garlic powder
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5 ml (1 tsp) onion powder
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2.5 ml (½ tsp) smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Flavor
Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer 2 minutes.
4. Make Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, warm milk over medium heat. Slowly stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
5. Combine
Add drained pasta into cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and combine well.
6. Serve
Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Slightly undercook pasta so it holds up in the sauce.
Sharp cheddar adds depth, while mozzarella gives that gooey pull.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add crispy bacon or toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture.
BBQ sauce flavor can be sweet, smoky, or spicy—choose your favorite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Plats
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American