The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Mashup

There are few dishes in the world of comfort food that can rival the classic appeal of mac and cheese. Similarly, BBQ chicken holds a special place in our culinary hearts. But what happens when you combine these two beloved favorites into one spectacular dish? You get BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese—a creamy, smoky, tangy, and utterly delicious casserole-style meal that’s become a family favorite for good reason. This ultimate comfort food mashup brings together tender pasta in a rich cheese sauce with shredded BBQ chicken, creating a meal that’s both familiar and excitingly different.

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe lies not just in its incredible flavor profile, but also in its versatility. It can serve as a hearty main course or a standout side dish, perfect for everything from busy weeknights to potlucks and special gatherings. As one recipe developer notes, “Two favorites all baked into one delicious casserole style meal. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a family favorite. It makes for a great side dish or meal” .

Why This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Works

What makes this particular BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese so special? First, it’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creaminess of the cheese sauce provides a rich backdrop that complements the tangy, slightly sweet BBQ chicken beautifully. The addition of various spices and the option to include a hint of heat through ingredients like Frank’s Red Hot or chipotle powder creates depth that keeps your taste buds interested with every bite .

Beyond the incredible taste, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese offers practical benefits that make it a smart choice for any cook:

• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare this dish in advance and simply reheat it when needed, adding a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency .

• Family-approved: This dish offers a creative way to change up your regular rotation while still appealing to even picky eaters .

• Customizable: The recipe serves as an excellent template that you can adapt based on your preferences or dietary needs .

Ingredients and Substitutions

Creating the perfect BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese starts with gathering the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need, along with possible substitutions to accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements.

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 1½ lbs chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here. For a time-saving shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover pulled BBQ chicken .

• Seasonings: ½ tsp each of salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder. These basic seasonings can be adjusted based on your preference.

• 1 tsp oil: For cooking the chicken. Any neutral oil like avocado, canola, or vegetable oil will work.

• ⅓ cup barbecue sauce: Use your favorite brand. Some recipes recommend Sweet Baby Ray’s Original or Stubb’s Original .

• 2 Tbsp Frank’s Red Hot or any buffalo sauce: This is optional but adds a wonderful kick that balances well with the BBQ flavor .

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 12 oz medium pasta shells or elbow macaroni: Shells are excellent for holding the cheese sauce, but any pasta shape works .

• 4 Tbsp butter: Unsalted is preferred to control sodium, but salted works too. For a lighter version, some recipes use light butter .

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour: This helps create the roux that thickens the cheese sauce. For gluten-free versions, use gluten-free all-purpose flour .

• 1½ cups milk: Whole milk creates the richest sauce, but you can use 2% milk, skim milk, or even half-and-half. For a non-dairy alternative, unsweetened almond milk works in a pinch .

• ½ cup water or chicken broth: Adding liquid beyond milk helps create the right consistency for the sauce.

• Cheese blend: The combination of ¾ cup shredded cheddar and ½ cup shredded pepper jack offers a perfect balance of classic flavor and subtle heat. Monterey Jack, smoked cheddar, smoked gouda, or mozzarella are all excellent alternatives .

Table: Ingredient Substitution Guide

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

If you’re starting with raw chicken, begin by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder. Heat one teaspoon of oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. For quicker, more even cooking, slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise before cooking. Cook for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding or chopping it. Transfer the shredded chicken to a large bowl and mix with BBQ sauce and the optional hot sauce until thoroughly coated. Set aside .

Time-saving tip: If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover pulled BBQ chicken. Simply shred about 1 pound of cooked chicken and mix it with the BBQ sauce .

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Be careful not to overcook the pasta at this stage, as it will continue to cook later when baked with the cheese sauce.

Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander. Pro tip: Reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water before draining, as it can be useful for adjusting the consistency of your cheese sauce later .

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

Using the same large pot you used for the pasta (saving on cleanup!), melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for about one minute until the mixture is lightly golden and fragrant, which helps remove the raw flour taste.

Slowly whisk in the milk (or chicken broth) until the mixture is smooth and no lumps remain. Add the seasonings: salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

Gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. “Taste the cheese sauce! You may want to add a little more salt and pepper so be sure to taste as you go,” recommends one recipe developer .

Step 4: Combine and Bake

Add the drained pasta and the BBQ chicken to the cheese sauce in the pot. Stir until everything is evenly coated and well combined.

At this point, you could serve the dish as is, but for that classic baked mac and cheese experience, transfer the mixture to a 9×9 baking dish. Top with extra shredded cheese and a drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired .

Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned and bubbly. “Don’t over bake the mac & cheese, be sure to just lightly brown the top in the oven for the ultimate tasty mac & cheese,” advises one source .

Alternative Cooking Methods

One-Pot Method

For easier cleanup and a quicker preparation process, you can make this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese entirely in one pot. After creating the cheese sauce, instead of draining the pasta and using a separate baking dish, you can add uncooked pasta directly to the sauce with additional liquid and cook until the pasta is tender .

Skillet Method

If you prefer a stovetop-only version, you can prepare the entire dish in an oven-safe skillet and simply finish it under the broiler for a few minutes to brown the top rather than baking it in the oven .

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a complete meal on its own, but if you’d like to round it out with some sides, here are a few suggestions:

• Green salad: A simple kale Caesar salad or Asian cabbage salad provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich, creamy pasta .

• Vegetables: Air fryer Brussels sprouts, roasted green beans, or balsamic roasted carrots make excellent healthy sides .

• Bread: A crusty baguette or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra cheese sauce.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days .

• Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave with a splash of milk to help restore the creamy consistency. For larger portions, reheat in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through .

Customization Ideas

The beauty of this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is its adaptability. Here are some ways to make it your own:

• Add vegetables: Sautéed onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, or roasted corn make great additions that add both flavor and nutrition .

• Change up the protein: While chicken is classic, you could use pulled pork, ground beef, or even make it meat-free with plant-based chicken alternatives or extra vegetables .

• Adjust the heat level: For a milder version, omit the chipotle powder and hot sauce, and use Monterey Jack instead of pepper jack. For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce .

• Try different cheese combinations: Smoked cheddar and gouda will give a smokier flavor profile, while a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella offers a classic, melty combination .

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Why This Dish Will Become a Family Favorite

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese has all the elements of a perfect family meal: it’s comforting, flavorful, customizable, and practical for busy schedules. The combination of creamy cheese sauce with tangy BBQ chicken is a match made in culinary heaven that appeals to both kids and adults.

As one home cook reported after trying a similar recipe: “This was a huge hit and will become part of my regular rotation. I loved it as did my husband and teenagers! Such a delightful blend of flavors” .

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just a simple weeknight dinner—it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest. With its perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors, customizable ingredients, and make-ahead convenience, this dish truly deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week ahead, or need a standout dish to bring to your next potluck, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers on every front. So gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to create a new favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe!