There’s something magical about a bubbling dish of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. It’s that perfect marriage between creamy mac and cheese and smoky BBQ chicken that hits every craving—comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after soccer practice or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this easy dinner idea is guaranteed to earn you the “best cook ever” title at the table.
When I first made this, I had leftover BBQ chicken from the weekend and a strong craving for something cheesy. I tossed it into my classic mac and cheese recipe, added a swirl of BBQ sauce, and—voilà—pure comfort food bliss was born. Think smoky, creamy, tangy, and cheesy all in one glorious bite. The best part? It comes together in under 40 minutes and requires only a handful of ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
So, if you’re looking for a family favorite that checks all the boxes—easy, delicious, and weeknight-friendly—grab your apron. Let’s make some magic happen.
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
This isn’t your average mac and cheese—it’s the kind that makes everyone pause mid-bite and say, “Wow.” The smoky BBQ chicken adds depth, the creamy mac and cheese provides that comforting texture, and together, they create the ultimate comfort food recipe. It’s hearty enough for dinner yet simple enough to whip up after a long day.
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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Halal
Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, smoky, and irresistibly cheesy. Tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce is folded into velvety macaroni and baked until golden and bubbling. It’s hearty, flavorful, and ready in just 40 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight family dinner.
Ingredients
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2 cups (475 ml) elbow macaroni
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2 tbsp (30 g) butter
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2 tbsp (16 g) all-purpose flour
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2 cups (480 ml) milk
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1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
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2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup (120 g) mozzarella cheese
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2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
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½ cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
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½ tsp (2.5 g) smoked paprika
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¼ tsp (1.25 g) garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
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1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil or melted butter (for topping)
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Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Preheat oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
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Cook the pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 7–8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
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Add milk and cream: Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens (3–5 minutes).
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Add cheese: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Combine: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
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Mix in chicken: Combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, then fold into the macaroni mixture.
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Bake: Transfer to the baking dish. If using, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or butter and sprinkle on top. Bake 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
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Finish and serve: Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
No bake version: Skip the oven step and serve straight from the stove.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat tip: Add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked Casserole
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
-
2 cups (475 ml) elbow macaroni
-
2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
-
2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
-
2 cups (480 ml) milk
-
1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
-
2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 cup (120 g) mozzarella cheese
-
2 cups (300 g) cooked chicken breast, shredded
-
½ cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)
-
½ teaspoon (2.5 g) smoked paprika
-
¼ teaspoon (1.25 g) garlic powder
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
-
½ cup (60 g) breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
-
1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil or melted butter (for topping)
-
Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Directions
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Preheat and Prep: Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
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Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 7–8 minutes, just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a smooth roux.
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Add Milk and Cream: Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly (about 3–5 minutes).
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Add the Cheese: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted. Season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
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Combine Everything: Toss in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated with sauce.
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Add the Chicken: Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce, then fold it into the cheesy pasta mixture.
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Bake to Perfection: Pour everything into the baking dish. If using, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil or butter and sprinkle on top. Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
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Finish and Serve: Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.
Cooking Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
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Cheese choice matters: Cheddar gives you sharp flavor, but a mix of mozzarella or Monterey Jack makes it extra gooey.
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Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta will finish perfectly in the oven.
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The BBQ sauce trick: Use a smoky or honey BBQ sauce for depth and a little sweetness—it pairs beautifully with the savory cheese.
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Make it ahead: Assemble the dish earlier in the day, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven when ready to serve.
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Add a kick: A sprinkle of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce adds a subtle heat that balances the creaminess.
And don’t panic if your cheese sauce looks a little lumpy before baking—it’ll smooth out into creamy perfection once it hits the oven magic zone!
A Little Story Behind This Dish
This recipe was born out of one of those “use what you have” nights. I had some leftover BBQ chicken and a fridge full of cheese (because… priorities). Instead of reheating plain leftovers, I decided to combine my two comfort food loves: BBQ and mac and cheese. The result? My family asked me to “accidentally” make too much BBQ chicken from that day on.
Now, it’s one of those family favorite meals that feels fancy enough for guests but comforting enough for a Tuesday night. My kids even call it “Olivia’s happy mac,” and honestly, that name might just stick.
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
This dish is rich, creamy, and indulgent, so pairing it with something light helps balance things out. A crisp green salad with ranch or honey mustard dressing complements the smoky sweetness beautifully. You can also serve it alongside roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans for some extra color and nutrition.
If you’re entertaining, serve it with cornbread or garlic knots—because carbs are friends, not foes. And if you want to go full-on Southern comfort, a side of coleslaw adds the perfect crunch.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk before microwaving to keep the sauce creamy.
For longer storage, freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. When reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Pro tip: drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce before serving to refresh that smoky flavor.
FAQs About BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor to this easy dinner idea.
Can I make it without baking?
Yes, just skip the breadcrumbs and serve straight from the stovetop—it’ll be just as deliciously creamy.
What’s the best cheese blend?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic, but feel free to mix in pepper jack for a kick or gouda for extra smokiness.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Definitely! Swap the macaroni for your favorite gluten-free brand and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour for the roux.
A Warm Bite to End With
Every spoonful of this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is like a hug in a bowl—warm, cheesy, smoky, and satisfying. It’s one of those dishes that makes your kitchen smell heavenly and fills hearts (and bellies) with happiness. Whether it’s a busy weekday or a cozy weekend dinner, this comfort food recipe brings everyone together around the table.
So go ahead, drizzle on that extra BBQ sauce, grab your fork, and dig in—you deserve it.
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