Name: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded; 1 tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup milk (low-fat preferred); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

I absolutely love comfort food that brings a little unexpected twist, and this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is exactly that for me. It’s a delightful mix of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese paired with smoky, tangy BBQ chicken, creating a harmony of flavors that always hits the spot. I find it’s the perfect dish when I want something cozy but crave that hint of bold barbecue goodness to make it special and satisfying.

Why You'll Love This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

What makes this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe so close to my heart is the incredible flavor combination. The sharpness of the cheddar and the gooey mozzarella mingle perfectly with the smoky BBQ sauce glazed over tender shredded chicken. There’s a velvety creaminess from the cheese sauce that complements the barbecue tang without overpowering it. Every bite feels indulgent, yet familiar, like a hug on a plate.

I also appreciate how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. Even on busy weeknights, I can have it ready in about 25 minutes, which feels like a win in my book. The steps are simple and don’t require fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s one of those recipes where everything comes together effortlessly but tastes like you spent hours on it.

When it comes to occasions, I can’t recommend this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese enough. Whether I’m cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting friends for a game night, or looking for a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, it checks all the boxes. It stands out because it’s not just a run-of-the-mill mac and cheese; it brings personality and that memorable smoky flavor that everyone asks for seconds of.

Ingredients You'll Need

Several clear glass bowls and measuring cups are arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl, near the bottom right, holds shredded dark brown smoked meat. Above it to the right, a Pyrex measuring cup filled with white milk is placed. To the left of the meat, a medium glass bowl contains yellow cooked pasta shaped like small spirals. Above the pasta, a bowl is filled with golden yellow breadcrumbs. Below the pasta to the right is a small bowl with green sliced scallions. Next to it on the left is a larger bowl with shredded orange cheddar cheese. Below the cheese to the left is a small bowl with cubed pale yellow butter. To the top left of the butter is a cup of dark brown barbecue sauce. Next to that is a small bowl of light flour. On the far right are three tiny bowls in a row holding salt, clear liquid, and pepper. The scene is brightly lit, and all items are arranged neatly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe are wonderfully simple but each plays a vital role in building the dish’s rich flavor and creamy texture. From the shredded chicken providing hearty protein to the blend of cheeses creating the perfect sauce, every item is carefully chosen to elevate the taste.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Chicken breast: Cooked and shredded for tender, protein-rich chunks that soak up the BBQ flavor.
Olive oil: Adds a little richness and helps warm the chicken without drying it out.
Elbow macaroni: Classic shape that holds onto all the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, it forms the backbone of the cheese sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into silky smoothness, giving the sauce a luscious texture.
Milk: Creates the creamy base for the cheese sauce without being too heavy.
BBQ sauce: Your favorite brand adds that essential smoky, tangy kick that makes this dish pop.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle aroma and warmth that complements the BBQ sauce.
Onion powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Smoked paprika: Brings a lovely smoky undertone that ties the whole flavor profile together.
Salt and pepper: Perfectly seasons every element, balancing the flavors.
Fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of freshness and color for garnish to brighten the dish.

Directions

Step 1: I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes for al dente elbow macaroni. Once cooked, I drain it and set it aside to keep it from sticking together.

Step 2: Next, I heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Then I add the shredded chicken, letting it warm up for 2 to 3 minutes. This step brings the chicken back to the perfect temperature while maintaining its juiciness.

Step 3: Once the chicken is warm, I stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I mix everything well to ensure the chicken is fully coated in that delicious smoky sauce.

Step 4: While the chicken is mingling with the spices, I move to a separate saucepan where I gently heat the milk over medium heat. I slowly add both cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly to melt the cheeses evenly and create a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 5: Now it’s time to bring it all together. I add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until every piece is luxuriously coated. After that, I fold in the BBQ chicken mixture, stirring until everything is blended into one fantastic, cheesy, smoky dish.

Step 6: I always like to taste it here and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. It’s important to get that balance just right because the flavors meld better with a personal touch.

Step 7: Finally, I serve the mac and cheese hot, with a little fresh chopped parsley sprinkled on top to add a burst of color and freshness. It looks inviting and tastes even better fresh from the stove.

Servings and Timing

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family meal or sharing with a few friends. Prep time is quick—around 10 minutes to get everything ready—while the cook time is about 15 minutes, giving a total time of roughly 25 minutes. There’s no resting or cooling time necessary, so you can serve it right away while it’s warm, melty, and absolutely delicious.

How to Serve This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

A close-up top view of a black skillet filled with creamy macaroni pasta mixed with browned small meat pieces, all covered in melted cheese that is light orange in color. The dish is sprinkled with green chopped herbs that add a fresh look on top. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface with a stove grate visible under it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, I usually like to pair it with something fresh and crisp to complement the richness. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli brings great texture contrast and brightens the palate after each creamy bite. I’ve also found cornbread or garlic bread to be outstanding side choices that echo the Southern comfort vibes.

For garnishing, fresh chopped parsley is my go-to because it adds a lovely pop of color and a hint of herbaceous brightness. Sometimes, I like adding a few crispy fried onions or a dash of extra smoked paprika on top if I want a bit more crunch and smoky flavor. Presentation-wise, serving it in a rustic cast-iron skillet or in individual ramekins can make it feel right at home on any dinner table.

As for beverages, I enjoy pairing this dish with a chilled pale ale or a fruity red wine like a Zinfandel that can stand up to the BBQ flavors. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea with lemon is refreshing and balances the richness perfectly. This recipe shines at casual weeknight meals but also brings joy to game nights, holidays, or any gathering where you want your guests singing your praises.

Variations

I love playing around with this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For instance, swapping out the chicken breast for pulled pork or even smoked sausage can add new layers of flavor that still work beautifully with that cheesy BBQ base. If you’re vegetarian, using BBQ jackfruit as a meat substitute is an excellent way to keep that smoky vibe while staying plant-based.

For a gluten-free version, I simply use gluten-free pasta, which doesn’t change the taste but makes the dish accessible for everyone. Those who want to lighten it up can substitute whole milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk and choose reduced-fat cheeses; the texture and flavor remain satisfying. I’ve also experimented with adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce when mixing the chicken to introduce a bit of heat for spice lovers.

Another fun twist I sometimes try is baking the mac and cheese off in the oven for about 10 minutes with a layer of breadcrumbs on top for a crispy, golden crust—almost like a BBQ mac and cheese casserole. This adds a delightful textural contrast while keeping that melty, cheesy heart of the dish intact.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If I have any leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I usually make sure it’s sealed tightly to keep the mac and cheese from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors. Properly stored, it will keep fresh for 3 to 4 days, making it an easy meal to enjoy again without losing any delicious flavor.

Freezing

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes well, which makes it great for meal prepping. I transfer cooled leftovers to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It stays good for up to 2 months. When it’s time to enjoy, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using the stovetop or an oven to gently warm it without drying it out. On the stove, I add a splash of milk or cream to the mac and cheese and stir over low heat until heated through and creamy again. In the oven, I cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. I avoid microwaving as it can sometimes cause uneven heating and a rubbery cheese texture, but if necessary, I do it in short intervals, stirring in between to maintain smoothness.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While cheddar and mozzarella give a great balance of sharpness and meltiness, you can experiment with Gouda, Monterey Jack, or a smoky cheese like smoked cheddar for extra depth. Just make sure to use cheeses that melt well for the best creamy texture.

What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

I recommend using a BBQ sauce that you love and that has a balanced smoky and tangy flavor profile. Sweet, spicy, or smoky BBQ sauces all work well, but avoid overly watery sauces since they can thin out the cheese sauce too much.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You sure can! You can prepare the chicken and pasta in advance, keep them refrigerated, and combine everything just before serving. If you prepare it fully ahead, just reheat gently to keep it creamy and delicious.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The combination of cheesy pasta with BBQ chicken is usually a crowd-pleaser for kids. You might want to go easy on the smoked paprika or spices if your little ones are sensitive to heat or strong flavors.

How can I make this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe vegan?

To veganize it, swap the chicken for shredded BBQ jackfruit or a plant-based meat alternative, use vegan cheese shreds that melt well, and replace milk with your favorite plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. Just be sure to pick a vegan BBQ sauce too.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe enough if you’re looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that feels comforting and a bit adventurous at the same time. It’s one of those dishes that I go back to time and again because it manages to be quick, easy, and unforgettable all at once. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!