BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - CookTune

Name: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - CookTune
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 3 cups milk; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 1/2 cup diced red onion; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy, and infused with smoky BBQ flavor, it's a dish that will delight your taste buds.

Created by

Harriet Collins

Last updated on 2025-12-11T09:57:23.272Z

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together the best of both worlds: the creamy richness of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of BBQ chicken. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of smokiness
Easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults will both love

      

Perfect for Any Occasion

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a versatile dish that suits a wide range of occasions. Whether you're hosting a casual family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or a potluck gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. Its comforting flavors and creamy texture make it a heartwarming dish that everyone can enjoy. Plus, the combination of BBQ chicken and cheesy pasta is a unique twist that adds excitement to your usual meal rotation.

Not only is this dish perfect for gatherings, but it also serves as an excellent meal prep option. You can make it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and simply reheat it when you're ready to serve. This makes it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet satisfying.

Customizable to Your Taste

One of the best things about BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is its adaptability. You can easily tweak the recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. If you're a fan of spice, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture. Alternatively, if you're looking for a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for roasted vegetables or black beans, and use a plant-based cheese to create a similar creamy texture.

Feel free to experiment with different types of cheeses as well! While sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a delightful blend, you can incorporate gouda, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for an extra creamy finish. The possibilities are endless, making this dish a canvas for your culinary creativity.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

To elevate your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese experience, consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. A crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy pasta. If you're feeling indulgent, you might even pair it with garlic bread or cornbread for an ultimate comfort food feast.

For drinks, consider offering sweet iced tea or a light lager to balance the flavors. If you want a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade or flavored sparkling water can provide a nice zing that complements the smoky BBQ taste.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
3 cups milk
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the BBQ Chicken

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1/2 cup BBQ sauce
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Mix well and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, garlic powder, and onion powder, and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted.

Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce

In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and diced red onion.

Assemble the Dish

In a large baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and BBQ chicken mixture. Stir until well combined.

Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.

Let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the dish in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when you're ready to serve. Just make sure to cover it with foil to keep it moist during reheating.

What type of cheese works best? Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are excellent choices for this recipe, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for added flavor. The key is to use cheeses that melt well.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, consider adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess and heat it in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

If you want to freeze this dish, make sure to do so before baking. Wrap it tightly and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Using pre-cooked chicken will save you time and make this recipe even easier.

→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish and store it in the refrigerator for up to two days before baking.

→ What can I serve with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?

It pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.