Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender BBQ chicken pieces for a smoky twist on classic comfort food. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a quick and easy meal perfect for weeknights or parties. With customizable options and rich, bold flavors, it’s a family-friendly dish that reheats well and satisfies every time.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Classic elbow macaroni – 8 ounces
Protein
- Cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded or diced – 2 cups
- BBQ sauce – 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
Dairy and Sauce
- Butter – 2 tablespoons
- Cream cheese – 4 ounces
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – 2 cups
- Milk or heavy cream – 1 cup
Seasonings
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika – 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
- Freshly ground black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the cream cheese until smooth, then gradually add milk or heavy cream, stirring continuously to create a creamy base. Sprinkle in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor.
- Add the Cheddar Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and silky. The cheese sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta but still smooth.
- Combine Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a separate bowl, toss shredded or diced cooked chicken with your chosen BBQ sauce, ensuring each piece is coated well for maximum smokiness.
- Mix Everything Together: Fold the cooked macaroni and BBQ chicken into the cheese sauce gently. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated and the chicken is distributed throughout the mac and cheese.
- Optional Baking: For a crispy top, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded to avoid anti-caking agents for a creamier sauce.
- Do not overcook the pasta; al dente noodles hold the sauce better and avoid mushiness after baking.
- Start with less BBQ sauce and add more to taste to balance smoky flavor perfectly.
- Keep the cheese sauce warm to prevent thickening before combining.
- Prepare components ahead separately and combine just before serving for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: BBQ Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Smoky, Easy Recipe, Family-Friendly
