This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together smoky, tender chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta in one cozy dish. I first made this after craving both BBQ and mac and cheese at the same time, and honestly, I couldn't believe how well they worked together. The tangy BBQ sauce melts right into the cheese, and every bite feels like comfort in a bowl. Plus, it comes together in about 45 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without the fuss.
If you're looking for more easy, family-friendly dishes, try these Chicken Croquettes, Sloppy Joe Casserole, or Baked Chicken Leg Quarters for dinner tonight.
Why You'll Love This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a total crowd-pleaser. The creamy cheese sauce wraps around every shell, and the BBQ chicken adds a smoky, tangy kick that makes this way more interesting than regular mac and cheese. It's easy enough for a weeknight but feels special enough to serve when friends come over. You can eat it straight from the pot or bake it with a crispy cheese topping. Either way, it's the kind of dish that disappears fast.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Substitutions and Swaps
- Equipment For BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Storage Tips For BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Serving Suggestions
- Expert Tips
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredients
Here's everything you'll need to make this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, creamy, and full of flavor.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
BBQ Chicken:
- Chicken breasts: Lean, tender protein that soaks up the BBQ sauce beautifully. Slicing them in half helps them cook faster and more evenly.
- Salt, pepper, chipotle powder, garlic powder: These simple seasonings add depth and a little smoky heat to the chicken.
- Oil: Helps the chicken get a nice golden sear without sticking.
- Barbecue sauce: The star ingredient that gives the chicken its tangy, smoky flavor. Use your favorite brand or homemade.
- Frank's Red Hot or buffalo sauce (optional): Adds a spicy kick if you like a little heat with your BBQ.
Mac and Cheese:
- Medium-sized shells: These hold onto the cheese sauce in every little curve. You can also use elbow macaroni or cavatappi.
- Butter: Creates the base for a smooth, rich cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce so it clings to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom.
- Salt, pepper, chipotle powder, garlic powder: Echoes the chicken seasoning and ties everything together.
- Milk or chicken broth: Adds creaminess and body to the sauce. Chicken broth makes it a bit lighter and more savory.
- Water or chicken broth: Helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it's the backbone of the mac and cheese.
- Shredded pepper jack cheese: Adds a little creaminess and a subtle kick of heat.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Follow these simple steps to make creamy, smoky BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese from scratch.
Cook the chicken: Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder on both sides. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes per side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Toss with BBQ sauce: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and optional hot sauce until every piece is coated. Set aside while you make the mac and cheese.
Cook the pasta: Cook the shells according to the package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot you used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it smells nutty and turns a light golden color. Add the seasonings, then slowly pour in the milk and water (or broth), whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
Melt the cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and pepper jack cheese until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine everything: Add the cooked pasta and BBQ chicken mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and combined. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed.
Optional baked version: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x9 casserole dish. Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top and drizzle with a little more BBQ sauce. Bake for 15 minutes, until the top is bubbly and lightly browned. Garnish with chopped cilantro if you like.
Substitutions and Swaps
You can easily adapt this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to what you have on hand or your dietary needs.
- Chicken: Swap in rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey to save time. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
- Pasta: Any short pasta works here. Try elbow macaroni, cavatappi, penne, or even rotini.
- Cheese: Use all cheddar if you don't like spice, or add Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gouda for different flavor.
- Milk: Swap for chicken broth to lighten it up, or use heavy cream for extra richness.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux.
- BBQ sauce: Any style works. Sweet, smoky, spicy, vinegar-based-pick your favorite.
Equipment For BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Large skillet (for cooking the chicken)
- Large pot (for pasta and cheese sauce)
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- 9x9 casserole dish (if baking)
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
Storage Tips For BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The pasta may absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back the creaminess. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently, or microwave in 30-second intervals. You can also freeze this for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few ideas to round out the meal:
- Serve with a simple green salad and a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- Pair it with garlic bread or cornbread for a true comfort food feast.
- Add a side of roasted broccoli or green beans for a little color and crunch.
- Top individual servings with crispy fried onions, crumbled bacon, or chopped scallions for extra texture.
For more easy dinner ideas, check out Eggplant Mozzarella Sandwiches or Pepperoni Pizza Rolls.
Expert Tips
- Don't skip the resting step: Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it juicy when you shred it.
- Cook pasta al dente: The noodles will continue to soften in the cheese sauce, so slightly undercooking them prevents mushiness.
- Adjust the heat: If you're feeding kids or heat-sensitive eaters, skip the chipotle powder and hot sauce. You can always add hot sauce at the table.
- Make it ahead: You can prep the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese sauce separately, then combine and bake when you're ready to serve.
- Add more toppings: A sprinkle of smoked paprika, fresh cilantro, or even jalapeño slices can take this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese up a notch.
FAQ
Do you put barbecue sauce on chicken before or after baking?
For this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, you cook the chicken first, then toss it with BBQ sauce after it's done. This keeps the sauce from burning and gives you more control over the flavor. If you're baking chicken on its own, you can brush sauce on during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
What are the best 3 ingredients for mac and cheese?
Butter, cheese, and milk (or cream) are the foundation of any great mac and cheese. The butter and flour create a roux, the milk makes it creamy, and the cheese brings all the flavor. Everything else is just bonus.
Does barbecue sauce go with mac and cheese?
Absolutely. The tangy, smoky sweetness of BBQ sauce balances the richness of the cheese and adds a whole new layer of flavor. It's like the best of both comfort food worlds in one dish.
Are chicken and mac and cheese good together?
Yes, they're a perfect match. The creamy pasta and the savory, smoky chicken complement each other beautifully. Adding BBQ sauce to the mix makes it even better. It's filling, flavorful, and totally satisfying.
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
BBQ Chicken
- 1½ lb chicken breasts sliced in half for quicker cooking
- ½ teaspoon salt more as needed
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oil for cooking
- ⅓ cup barbecue sauce more as needed for extra flavor
- 2 tablespoon Frank's Red Hot or any buffalo sauce optional for a spicy kick
Mac and Cheese
- 12 oz box medium shell pasta about 2 cups dry pasta gluten-free pasta also works
- 4 tablespoon butter unsalted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon pepper adjust to taste
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder optional adds a smoky flavor
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1½ cup milk use any milk of your choice or chicken broth for a healthier option
- ½ cup water chicken broth can also be used
- ¾ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup pepper jack cheese shredded
Instructions
- Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the hot pan and cook each side for 8-10 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
- Allow the chicken to rest for 2 minutes, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and buffalo sauce (if using).
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Add the salt, pepper, chipotle powder, garlic powder, milk, and water to the pot, and bring to a simmer. Turn the heat down and whisk until thickened.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until fully melted.
- Add the drained pasta and BBQ-coated chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
- To bake, transfer the mixture to a 9×9 baking dish, top with extra shredded cheddar cheese and barbecue sauce, and bake at 400ºF for 15 minutes.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired and serve immediately.
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