BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Get ready for some ultimate comfort food! This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is outrageously creamy, loaded with smoky, tangy barbecue chicken, and finished with a blanket of ooey-gooey cheese. If you ever wanted your two favorite dishes to join forces and become the hero of your weeknight, this is it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is refreshingly straightforward, but each element plays a starring role in the final dish. These simple staples come together to build layers of flavor and creamy texture, with pops of color that’ll make this casserole the prettiest thing on your dinner table!

• Chicken Breasts: Sliced for quick, even cooking—perfect for soaking up those BBQ flavors.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and brightening the whole dish.
• Chipotle Powder: Adds a warm, smoky kick that takes the flavor over the top.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses both the chicken and cheese sauce with savory depth.
• Oil: Just a drizzle keeps the chicken juicy as it cooks.
• Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite! It’s the heartbeat of that sweet, tangy, slightly sticky chicken.
• Frank’s Red Hot (Buffalo sauce, optional): For those who like their mac with a little extra punch.
• Medium Shell Pasta: The ideal noodle for holding cheese and sauce in every bite; gluten-free works just as well!
• Butter: The start of a silky-smooth roux for unbeatable creaminess.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the cheese sauce to perfection (gluten-free flour is welcome here).
• Milk (or Chicken Broth): Forms the base of that luscious sauce; swap in broth for a lighter touch.
• Water (or Chicken Broth): Helps adjust sauce thickness and flavor—go all-in with broth if you love extra savory notes.
• Shredded Cheddar: Brings classic, gooey richness and sunny color to the party.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: A little heat and meltiness to make every forkful exciting.

Variations

The beauty of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is just how customizable it is—feel free to let your cravings or fridge contents dictate the vibe. Whether you’re going for major spice or swapping proteins, there’s always a way to make it your own!

• Swap the Protein: Try shredded rotisserie chicken, leftover pulled pork, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist.
• Change Up the Cheese: Use Monterey Jack, Gouda, or smoked mozzarella instead of (or alongside) the cheddar and pepper jack for a brand new flavor profile.
• Add Veggies: Stir in charred corn, roasted red peppers, or sautéed onions for color and nutrition.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour—the flavor and comfort are all still there!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook and Shred the Chicken

Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half so they cook faster and more evenly. Rub them all over with salt, pepper, chipotle, and garlic powder, then sear them in a hot, oiled pan for about 8-10 minutes per side. Once done (and juicy!), let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then shred or chop it and toss with plenty of barbecue sauce and a splash of buffalo sauce for extra zing.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your shells until they’re just al dente—you want them tender but still springy, so they don’t fall apart in that luscious cheese sauce. Drain and set aside; you’ll use the same pot for the sauce (less cleanup!)

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt your butter on medium-low heat and whisk in the flour to make a roux—it’ll be thick and golden after about a minute. Sprinkle in your seasonings, then gradually pour in the milk (or broth) and water, whisking all the while to smooth things out. Let it gently simmer until thickened, then add in the shredded cheeses and stir until irresistibly creamy and melty.

Step 4: Assemble Everything Together

Time to bring it all together! Fold the drained pasta and saucy BBQ chicken into the cheese sauce, making sure everything is beautifully combined. If you’re feeling fancy, spoon the mixture into a casserole dish, sprinkle with even more cheese, and drizzle with extra barbecue sauce before baking for a bubbly, golden finish.

Step 5: Bake (Optional, But Delicious!)

If you love that crispy top, pop your mac and cheese in a hot oven at 400ºF for about 15 minutes. Pull it out when the cheese is melty and golden around the edges—grab your fork, this is dinnertime magic.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

This dish loves a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or parsley right before serving—those green flecks brighten up the rich, cheesy goodness. A few extra ribbons of barbecue sauce and a shower of crispy fried onions will make each serving feel restaurant-worthy and irresistibly fun.

Side Dishes

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is hearty enough to steal the show, but it plays especially well with crisp green salads, grilled corn on the cob, or simple roasted broccoli. If you crave something cooling, a tangy coleslaw or crunchy pickles make the perfect palate-cleansing side.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in individual ramekins for an adorable dinner party main, or layer it into mason jars for picnic-style meals on the go. For game day gatherings, bake it in a big cast iron skillet—everyone will love scooping rustic portions right at the table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will stay creamy and delicious for up to 4 days, making it a brilliant make-ahead lunch or busy night dinner option.

Freezing

For longer-term storage, portion the mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating—this dish is a meal prep champion!

Reheating

Reheat BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave—add a splash of milk or broth as needed to revive that silky cheese sauce. For the crispiest finish, try warming it up in the oven and finish under the broiler for a minute or two.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cozy, craveable comfort food with a twist, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese absolutely deserves a spot on your weekly menu. It’s one of those recipes you’ll make for friends and family, then end up sneaking bites straight from the pan—don’t say I didn’t warn you! I can’t wait for you to fall in love with every cheesy, smoky forkful.

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