BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food mash-up, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese will absolutely steal the show. This dish takes the universally adored creaminess of classic macaroni and cheese and turns up the excitement with juicy shredded chicken drenched in zesty barbecue sauce. Every forkful is loaded with smoky depth, gooey cheese, and a pop of fresh herbs on top. Whether you want an easy weeknight dinner or a shareable centerpiece for your next gathering with friends, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese couldn’t be more straightforward, but each one is essential to nailing that perfect flavor combination. From the creamy cheeses to the hint of smoky paprika, each ingredient plays its delicious role in both taste and texture.

• Chicken breast: Cooked and shredded chicken breast provides the perfect canvas for soaking up all that bold BBQ sauce.
• Olive oil: A bit of olive oil keeps the chicken moist and prevents sticking when reheating it in the skillet.
• Elbow macaroni: Classic elbows hold onto the thick cheese sauce, but you can use any pasta shape you like.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar delivers that irresistible gooey depth that makes every bite pop.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds extra stretch and creaminess to the cheese sauce, making it perfectly melty.
• Milk: Brings the cheese sauce together, making it unbelievably smooth and velvety.
• BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand; this is the flavor backbone that ties everything together with tangy sweetness.
• Garlic powder: Delivers savory depth and a hint of warmth to the sauce.
• Onion powder: Rounds out the flavor with a subtle sharpness that balances the rich cheese.
• Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky backbone and vibrant color, perfectly complementing the BBQ flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go to bring all the flavors to life.
• Fresh parsley: (Optional) Sprinkled on top, parsley delivers freshness and a burst of color.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions. You’ll want to aim for al dente, so the noodles hold up nicely once they’re blanketed with that luscious cheese sauce. Once cooked, drain and set aside—don’t forget to reserve a splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen your sauce later!

Step 2: Warm Up the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add your already cooked and shredded chicken breast, stirring gently for two to three minutes. This quick warm-up step keeps your chicken juicy without drying it out.

Step 3: Add the BBQ Flavor

To your skillet of warm chicken, pour in the BBQ sauce, then sprinkle over the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so the chicken is completely coated and shimmering with glossy barbecue deliciousness. Let it cook for another minute just to let the flavors mingle.

Step 4: Whip Up the Cheese Sauce

Set another saucepan over medium heat and pour in the milk. When it’s warm but not boiling, add your shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir constantly until both cheeses melt completely and the sauce is creamy and smooth. If it gets too thick, just add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Add your drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently so every noodle gets a generous coating. This is where the magic begins, as the pasta and cheese marry into a creamy masterpiece.

Step 6: Fold in the BBQ Chicken

Pour the BBQ chicken mixture into your pot of cheesy pasta, folding everything together until well combined. Every bite should offer the perfect balance of smoky chicken, melty cheese, and toothsome pasta. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Scoop portions onto plates or into bowls and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and watch the smiles appear!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Nothing tops off BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese like a final flourish of fresh parsley, which adds both color and a pop of herbal brightness. If you really want to amp things up, try a light dusting of smoked paprika for a touch of drama or a shower of extra shredded cheddar for ultra-cheesy goodness. Thinly sliced green onions or a few crunchy fried onions can also add a delightful contrast to all that melty comfort.

Side Dishes

This dish is undeniably satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with classic sides like crisp coleslaw or cornbread. For a lighter touch, try a simple green salad tossed with vinaigrette, or roast up some seasonal veggies for a colorful, wholesome addition. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese also loves a tangy pickle or two on the side!

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or potlucks, scoop BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into individual ramekins or serve in a cast iron skillet to keep it rustic and social. If you’re looking to impress guests, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top and pop it under the broiler for a few minutes to get a bubbly, golden crust. This dish even makes an excellent filling for stuffed peppers or as a topping for baked potatoes for a fun twist on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It holds up well for up to 3 days, and the flavors meld together even more deliciously after some time in the fridge. Just make sure it’s fully cooled before sealing to keep it fresh as can be.

Freezing

This dish is freezer-friendly, so you can make a double batch and save some for another week. Spoon cooled mac and cheese into a freezer-safe container, leaving just a bit of space at the top. It’ll keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re craving that barbecue-cheesy comfort, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk to your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese and warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently until hot and creamy. Alternatively, microwave portions in short bursts, stirring between each until fully heated through. The secret: don’t rush it, and your mac and cheese will stay luscious and saucy.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and works perfectly in BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Just shred the meat and follow the recipe as written to infuse it with big barbecue flavor.

What’s the best BBQ sauce to use for this recipe?

Your favorite BBQ sauce truly is the best choice here. Whether you love sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy, use the sauce that makes your taste buds happiest—the recipe adapts beautifully to any style.

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

You sure can! Assemble everything (but don’t bake with breadcrumbs until ready to serve, if using), cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. When you’re ready, reheat gently on the stove or in the oven, adding a little milk if needed to loosen the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta and double-check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should fit right in!

Can I add veggies to BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Definitely! Stir in some roasted broccoli, sautéed bell peppers, or even a handful of baby spinach. The veggies bring extra color, nutrition, and texture to this already hearty dish.

Final Thoughts

If creamy, smoky, and utterly comforting is your style, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the dish you absolutely need to try next. With its winning combination of fluffy pasta, gooey cheese, and tangy barbecue chicken, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection. Gather your ingredients, bring your appetite, and get ready to fall in love with this irresistible twist on a classic favorite!

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