Craving Comfort? This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Is the Hug You Need
Let’s be honest: some days call for leggings, your favorite show on pause, and a giant bowl of something cheesy. Enter the ultimate comfort food hero—BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. It’s creamy, smoky, cheesy, and just a little tangy… basically everything you didn’t know your taste buds were missing.
Whether your week’s been one meeting too long or the kids are on their third snack request before noon, this dish has your back. It’s hearty enough to feed a hungry family and easy enough to whip up after a long day when energy levels are a little less than gourmet chef.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Aside from being downright delicious (we’re talking “lick the spoon” good), this recipe is:
- Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flexible: Use whatever pasta you’ve got on hand—no need for a grocery run.
- Kid-approved: That sweet BBQ sauce meets gooey cheese combo? Total winner.
- Great for leftovers: Hello, dreamy lunch tomorrow.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked & shredded
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta you love)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk (I go with low-fat to balance the richness)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your fave—sweet, smoky, spicy… your call!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, but adds a fresh pop)
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
1. Cook your pasta.
Boil according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside while the real magic happens.
2. Warm up the chicken.
Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Toss in your shredded chicken and give it a couple of minutes to warm through.
3. Add flavor city.
To the chicken, stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir so every piece of chicken is coated in that smoky-sweet deliciousness.
4. Make the cheese sauce.
In a separate saucepan, gently warm the milk over medium heat. Slowly stir in the cheddar and mozzarella, letting them melt into a silky sauce. Stir like you’re casting a spell—smooth and steady.
5. Bring it all together.
Add your pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat every noodle. Then fold in the BBQ chicken mixture. Mix it all up and taste—adjust salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve & swoon.
Dish it up hot, sprinkle with parsley if you’re feeling fancy, and prepare for the compliments to roll in.
Cooking Tips from My Kitchen to Yours
- Shortcut alert: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver here. Just shred and toss it in!
- Want a smoky kick? Add a few dashes of chipotle hot sauce or use a spicier BBQ sauce.
- Picky eaters? Blend the sauce smoother or swap out cheeses to match their preferences (mild cheddar, Colby-Jack, etc.).
- Bake it! If you like a crispy top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs and cheese over the top and broil for 3-4 minutes.
A Little Story from My Stove…
The first time I made this, it was one of those wild Wednesdays where dinner was either going to be takeout… or cereal. But I had leftover chicken and some random cheeses in the fridge—and a bottle of BBQ sauce that needed using. One pot, a few stirred-in prayers, and boom: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese was born. My husband had seconds. My kids stopped bickering. A miracle, honestly.
FAQs About BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?
Absolutely! It’s a huge time-saver, and the seasoning adds even more flavor.
What’s the best BBQ sauce for this?
Whatever you love. Sweet Baby Ray’s is a fave in our house, but spicy or smoky styles work beautifully too.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Technically, yes—but the cheese sauce texture may change slightly. I recommend eating within a few days for best taste.
Conclusion
When you need a dinner that wraps you up in cheesy comfort and makes the whole table smile, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the move. It’s cozy, craveable, and just adventurous enough to break you out of that weeknight dinner rut.
Go ahead, grab that fork and dive in. You deserve a bite of comfort. 💛
More Cheesy, Saucy Chicken Recipes to Try Next
If you loved this cozy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’re definitely in good company here at Chicken Magic Recipes. Whether you’re in the mood to explore more comforting pasta creations or want to switch things up with bold, BBQ-inspired dishes, these reader favorites are just a click away:
- Looking for a fusion twist with just the right amount of heat? You’ll love this ultra-creamy and flavorful Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight.
- For those days when only southern BBQ flavors will do, try these irresistible Two-Ingredient Crispy Oven BBQ Chicken—they’re as easy as they are addictive.
- If you’re a pasta lover through and through, don’t miss this decadent Parmesan Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese—a cheesy hug in a bowl.
- And for a creamy weeknight dinner with bold Cajun flair, this crowd-pleasing Cheesy Cajun Chicken and Sausage Pasta is bound to be your next go-to.
No matter your mood, there’s always a chicken recipe waiting to bring some magic to your table. 💛
Print
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, cheesy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender shredded chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and two types of melty cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—this is a family-favorite weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
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)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add shredded chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken evenly.
In a separate saucepan, heat milk over medium heat. Slowly stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and mix well.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Save time with rotisserie chicken—just shred and skip the cooking step.
Want it baked? Sprinkle with extra cheese and broil for 3–4 minutes.
Add spice by using a hot BBQ sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat great with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg