The ultimate fusion of two beloved comfort foods, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, smoky, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for weeknights or gatherings. The tender chicken is coated in tangy BBQ sauce and layered between rich, melty mac and cheese, creating a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent.
Topped with optional crunchy breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection, every bite delivers a delightful contrast of textures and bold flavors. This dish is sure to become a crowd favorite serve it with a crisp salad or enjoy it on its own as a satisfying main course.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 cups elbow macaroni
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2 tablespoons butter
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2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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2 cups milk
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2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 1/2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
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1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
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1/4 cup chopped green onions
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1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
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1 tablespoon olive oil (if using breadcrumbs)
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
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Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy.
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Fold in the cooked macaroni until fully coated.
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In a separate bowl, toss the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
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Pour half the mac and cheese into the baking dish. Add a layer of BBQ chicken, then top with the remaining mac and cheese.
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Optional: Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top for added crunch.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbling and golden on top.
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Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 520 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Ultimate Comfort Food: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes rival the nostalgic satisfaction of mac and cheese. Add the smoky-sweet twist of barbecue chicken, and you’ve created a mouthwatering masterpiece that satisfies every craving in a single bite. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines two beloved American classics creamy mac and cheese and tangy BBQ chicken into one unforgettable dish that appeals to kids, adults, foodies, and weeknight cooks alike.
This dish is the kind of recipe that makes you feel wrapped in warmth. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a chilly evening, hosting a weekend gathering, or meal prepping for a busy week, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese brings both flavor and comfort to the table. It’s hearty, rich, and layered with bold taste that hits all the right notes creamy, cheesy, smoky, and just a little sweet. It’s no surprise this dish is quickly becoming a modern favorite in kitchens around the world.
Why BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Works So Well
At first glance, mac and cheese and barbecue chicken might seem like an odd pairing but trust us, it works incredibly well. The reason lies in the contrast and balance of flavors.
Mac and cheese, in its classic form, is rich, indulgent, and neutral in flavor profile. It provides the perfect canvas for other ingredients to shine. Barbecue chicken, on the other hand, is packed with bold, punchy flavors. The sweetness of the BBQ sauce, the tender texture of the chicken, and the smoky, tangy notes come together to add depth and complexity to the creamy macaroni.
When these two dishes are layered together and baked, something magical happens. The cheese sauce melds with the BBQ sauce, creating a savory-sweet umami fusion that coats every bite of pasta. If topped with breadcrumbs and baked, the crisp topping adds a crunchy contrast to the gooey interior creating a textural masterpiece that’s satisfying from the first forkful to the last.
A Modern Twist on a Classic
Mac and cheese is one of those timeless dishes that brings back childhood memories but let’s face it, the boxed versions of our youth are no match for what we can create today. Adding BBQ chicken elevates this classic comfort food into a full meal with protein, bold flavor, and restaurant-quality appeal.
This dish also reflects the growing trend of comfort food with a twist. In today’s culinary culture, fusion dishes are all the rage, and home cooks are more adventurous than ever. Combining comfort staples in creative ways like fried chicken and waffles or bacon-wrapped meatloaf has become a hallmark of modern home cooking. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese fits perfectly into that landscape, offering familiarity with a fun and flavorful upgrade.
Make It Your Own: Variations and Customizations
One of the best parts about BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is its flexibility. This recipe is incredibly easy to adapt based on your preferences, dietary needs, or what’s available in your pantry.
Here are a few creative twists you can try:
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Spicy Kick: Use a spicy BBQ sauce or mix in chopped jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to give the dish some heat.
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Bacon Boost: Sprinkle cooked, crumbled bacon on top for a smoky, salty crunch.
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Veggie Add-Ins: Mix in sautéed onions, bell peppers, or even spinach to sneak in some veggies.
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Different Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are classic, try pepper jack, smoked gouda, or a sharp white cheddar for a more complex flavor.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.
This dish is also perfect for using up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce making this not only delicious, but economical and waste-conscious too.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is quite filling on its own, but if you’re planning a meal or entertaining guests, you might want to add complementary sides or beverages.
Here are some ideas to round out the meal:
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Side Salads: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the dish. Try arugula with lemon dressing or a simple chopped romaine salad with cucumbers and red onion.
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Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or carrots roasted with a touch of olive oil and sea salt provide color, texture, and nutrition.
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Cornbread or Biscuits: Serve alongside a slice of sweet cornbread or warm biscuit for a true Southern-inspired meal.
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Drinks: Pair this dish with an iced tea, lemonade, or a light lager if you’re going the adult beverage route. If you prefer wine, a dry rosé or Zinfandel works well to cut through the richness.
Great for Gatherings
This recipe isn’t just great for everyday dinners it also makes a fantastic dish for potlucks, family get-togethers, or game day spreads. It travels well, holds up to reheating, and can be made ahead of time and baked fresh just before serving.
You can easily double the recipe to feed a crowd or portion it into ramekins or muffin tins for fun, single-serve bites at parties. The visual appeal of the golden top and gooey interior is a sure-fire hit, and the aroma alone will have guests lining up for seconds.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave in 60-second increments, stirring in between for even heating.
If you plan to freeze it, we recommend doing so before baking. Assemble the dish in a freezer-safe container, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep or gifting to friends and family in need of a home-cooked meal.
A Dish the Whole Family Will Love
Perhaps the best part of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is how universally loved it is. Even picky eaters find it hard to resist the gooey cheese, the tender chicken, and the sweet-savory tang of BBQ sauce. It’s one of those rare recipes that pleases kids and adults alike and can easily be scaled up for big families or down for a cozy meal for two.
Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner, prepping it for a friend, or indulging in a weekend comfort meal, this dish delivers every single time.
Conclusion:
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal it’s a celebration of flavor, a fusion of tradition and creativity, and an invitation to indulge in comfort. It takes everything we love about mac and cheese creamy, cheesy goodness and brings it to the next level with bold barbecue chicken.
The best recipes are the ones we come back to again and again, the ones that evoke memories, spark joy, and satisfy on every level. This is one of those dishes. Whether you’re feeding your family, impressing guests, or just treating yourself, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a go-to you’ll never regret making.
So next time you’re looking for something warm, filling, and undeniably delicious skip the plain pasta and say hello to the smoky, cheesy magic of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.