Get ready for a soul-satisfying comfort food experience with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! Imagine tender strands of shredded chicken glazed in smoky barbecue sauce, swirling through a molten river of sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella, all tossed with perfectly cooked macaroni. It’s a dish that bridges cozy and bold—every bite delivers familiar mac n’ cheese nostalgia with a flavorful, crowd-pleasing barbecue kick. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for a showstopping weeknight dinner, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese has something for everyone at your table.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses pantry staples that come together for a memorable twist on classic mac and cheese. Each ingredient is chosen for its role in building flavor, creaminess, and that hallmark BBQ zing!

Chicken breast (1 lb, cooked and shredded): Use leftovers or rotisserie chicken for ultimate ease and maximum tenderness.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A quick sauté in olive oil warms the chicken and helps infuse it with those beautiful BBQ spices.
Elbow macaroni (8 oz) or pasta of choice: Elbows catch all that cheesy sauce, but feel free to play around with your favorite shapes!
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): This brings classic sharpness and that rich, golden color we all crave in mac and cheese.
Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): For stretchy, creamy goodness in every forkful.
Milk (1 cup, low-fat preferred): It’s the base of the sauce, giving it velvety body without making it heavy.
BBQ sauce (1/2 cup): Choose your favorite for sweet, tangy, or smoky personality—make it yours!
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle warmth and rounds out the flavor.
Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Your secret boost for savory depth.
Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds extra smokiness that takes the BBQ element over the top.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing all those big flavors.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A sprinkling gives a pop of color and fresh finish.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, and cook the elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape) according to the package instructions until just al dente. You want it tender but with a little bite, since it’ll soak up some of the cheesy sauce later. Drain and set aside—don’t forget to give it a quick shake to remove excess water.

Step 2: Warm and Flavor the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat, then add your shredded chicken. Let it sizzle for 2-3 minutes, just enough to warm it through and give it a touch of flavor from the oil. Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, a pinch of salt and pepper, and pour over the BBQ sauce. Stir everything together so the chicken is evenly coated in that saucy, spicy, smoky goodness.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Once the milk is nice and hot (don’t let it boil!), start adding the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir continuously so the cheeses melt smoothly into the milk, creating a silky, golden sauce that’s hard to resist sneaking a taste from!

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Cheese Sauce, and Chicken Mixture

Add the drained macaroni to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Gently fold and stir until every noodle is glossy and coated. Now, spoon in your BBQ chicken mixture, and fold again until everything is thoroughly mixed and your mac and cheese is dotted with sweet, smoky chicken throughout. Let it cook for another minute, tasting and adjusting salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Pour or scoop the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls or onto plates while it’s piping hot. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like a fresh green accent. Now comes the best part—dig in!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

For an extra pop of flavor and color, top your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions. If you like some crunch, crispy fried onions or a dusting of smoked paprika make fantastic finishing touches. A swirl of extra BBQ sauce or a handful of shredded cheese just before serving adds even more excitement.

Side Dishes

This dish can easily stand alone, but why not make it a real feast? Pair it with a crisp coleslaw for contrast, grilled corn on the cob, or a fresh green salad to balance things out. Buttery dinner rolls or garlic bread are always welcome—it’s hard to resist something warm and toasty to soak up any leftover cheese sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Take your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese outside the box! Serve it in mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic, restaurant-style look, or scoop it into hollowed-out bread bowls for pure comfort. Hosting a party? Portion into muffin tins, bake for a few minutes, and serve as mac and cheese “bites” that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. It’ll keep fresh and tasty in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready for round two, you can rely on this dish to be just as crave-worthy reheated.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for future busy nights. Spoon it into a freezer-safe container, pressing a piece of parchment or plastic wrap directly on the surface before sealing. Freeze for up to two months. The cheese sauce might lose a tiny bit of its silky texture, but it’ll still be delicious.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed. You can also microwave individual servings, stirring halfway through. Give it a little extra cheese or a drizzle of BBQ sauce to freshen up the flavor if desired!

FAQs

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

Absolutely—rotisserie chicken is not only delicious and juicy, but also a huge time saver. Simply shred the meat and proceed with the recipe as written.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

It’s all about personal preference! Sweet, smoky, spicy, or even tangy—choose a brand you love, or experiment to see which complements the mac and cheese best.

Can I add veggies to this dish?

Definitely. Roasted peppers, sweet corn, or steamed broccoli mix in beautifully and add a pop of color and nutrition to BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Just swap the regular macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients should be safe!

Is BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese good for meal prep?

Yes! This recipe is sturdy, reheats well, and actually gets more flavorful with a day in the fridge. Just store in individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for something new that’ll have everyone scraping their plates, give BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese a try! It’s pure comfort with a barbecue twist—perfect for family dinners, football nights, or whenever that cheesy, smoky craving hits. You’ll want to make this one again and again!