BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously comforting dish that combines creamy mac and cheese with smoky BBQ chicken. This recipe is easy to make with pantry staples and comes together in under 40 minutes. You'll love the creamy texture and bold BBQ flavors packed in every bite. Pair it with my Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for a perfect protein-packed dinner.
Why You'll Love BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Try this easy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe loaded with melty cheese and smoky BBQ flavor. Perfect for quick, family-friendly weeknights!
- Rich, creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with smoky BBQ chicken flavor.
- Quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Uses simple pantry staples and leftover or rotisserie chicken.
- Family-friendly comfort food everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Chicken: Use cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast. Can substitute with pulled pork for different BBQ flavor.Cheese: Sharp cheddar is best for flavor; Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Feel free to use a mix of your favorite cheeses.
- Chicken: Use cooked shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast. Can substitute with pulled pork for different BBQ flavor.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar is best for flavor; Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Feel free to use a mix of your favorite cheeses.
Ingredient Note: Full measurements for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Homemade Comfort Food are listed in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Step 1 — Prep & Preheat
Cook the pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 — Cook and Build Flavor
Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion (if using) and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 3 — Finish, Taste, and Adjust
Add cheese and seasonings: Lower heat and add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Expert Tips for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover BBQ chicken to save time.
- For extra smoky flavor, add a splash of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce.
- If sauce is too thick, whisk in a little extra milk while cooking for perfect creaminess.
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Homemade Comfort Food
Try this easy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe loaded with melty cheese and smoky BBQ flavor. Perfect for quick, family-friendly weeknights!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (grilled or rotisserie)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup diced onion (optional)
Seasonings & Flavor Boosters
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Extra shredded cheese for topping
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions
- Crispy fried onions or bacon bits
Instructions
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Cook the pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion (if using) and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Add cheese and seasonings: Lower heat and add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Mix in smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine chicken and BBQ sauce: In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until coated. Then add chicken mixture and cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is combined and heated through.
- Serve or bake: Serve immediately for creamy mac and cheese or transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes for a crispy cheesy crust.
Nutrition (per serving)
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes).
- Serve/Reheat: Best chilled or at room temperature.
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Homemade Comfort Food FAQs
Yes! You can prepare the dish fully, then refrigerate or freeze before baking. Bake fresh or reheat before serving.
Use your favorite bottled BBQ sauce or homemade sauce. You can also mix in a bit of honey or hot sauce for variety.
Place leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage up to 2 months.
Dry mac and cheese usually means not enough sauce or overcooked pasta; soggy can be from too much liquid or overbaking. Use al dente pasta and adjust sauce thickness as needed.
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Before You Go
If you try this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Homemade Comfort Food, I'd love for you to leave a rating or share how you customized it.