BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese—a smoky, creamy, downright irresistible mashup of two beloved comfort foods. This dish layers juicy, barbecue-sauced chicken onto a bed of ultra-creamy, cheesy pasta shells, then bakes it all until bubbling and golden. The result? Pure, saucy magic in every forkful that the whole table will devour (and ask for seconds)!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese has a delicious purpose—from the seasoned chicken to the melty cheese combo and that signature swirl of barbecue sauce. Let’s peek at how each one shines and makes this dish over-the-top!

• Chicken Breasts: Sliced and cooked until juicy, these soak up all the BBQ flavors.
• Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite—sweet, spicy, or smoky! This brings tang and sticky deliciousness.
• Chipotle Powder, Garlic Powder, and Franks Red Hot (optional): For bold, smoky, and spicy undertones that give the chicken (and cheese sauce!) an exciting kick.
• Pasta Shells: Medium shells are perfect—they trap creamy cheese and bits of chicken in every bite. Gluten-free pasta works, too.
• Butter & Flour: The start of a quick roux that thickens your cheese sauce for that classic velvety texture.
• Milk or Chicken Broth: Choose based on richness preference—milk gives you extra creaminess, but broth works for a lighter feel.
• Cheddar & Pepper Jack Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts in for tang, while pepper jack gives just a little heat and extra meltiness.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for balancing the sweet, spicy, and cheesy flavors in every layer.
• Oil: Just a teaspoon gets your chicken nice and golden in the pan.
• Cilantro (optional): For that extra grass-green pop and a burst of freshness on top.

Variations

The beauty of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is how easy it is to adapt—switch up the cheeses, heat levels, or even make it vegetarian! Don’t be afraid to get creative and keep it fun based on what’s in your fridge or pantry.

• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Skip the grilling or sautéing and stir in store-bought shredded rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce for busy nights.
• Make It Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for roasted cauliflower or smoked tofu to enjoy all that smoky flavor with no meat.
• Cheese Swap Party: Try smoked gouda, Monterey jack, or a bit of blue cheese crumbled on top for a decadent flavor twist.
• Kick Up the Heat: Add pickled jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce in the cheese sauce for spice lovers.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half lengthwise for faster, more even cooking. Pat them dry, then sprinkle salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder on both sides. Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high, swirl in the oil, and cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes per side or until a thermometer registers 165ºF. Let the cooked chicken rest for a couple of minutes before shredding or chopping it into bite-size pieces.

Step 2: Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce

Add the shredded chicken to a large bowl and pour in that luscious barbecue sauce. This is where the magic happens! If you want an extra kick, stir in some hot sauce too. Mix until every smoky morsel is perfectly coated, then set aside while you tackle the pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Shells

Boil a large pot of well-salted water and drop in your pasta shells. Cook them just to al dente (check the package)—that way, they’ll hold their shape and not get mushy when they soak up all that cheese sauce. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse—you want the starches to help the sauce cling!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In the same pot (less to clean!), melt the butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking constantly to make a smooth roux—this will give your cheese sauce body. Add in the seasonings, slowly whisk in your milk (or broth), and simmer until thickened and glossy. Now lower the heat and gradually add the shredded cheddar and pepper jack, stirring until completely melted and silky-smooth.

Step 5: Combine It All Together

Add the pasta shells into the cheesy sauce, then fold in the BBQ chicken. Gently stir so every bit is coated and you see those glorious swirls of sauce and chicken peeking through the shells.

Step 6: Optional—Bake for Golden Perfection

If you want that bubbly, slightly crispy topping, transfer everything to a 9×9 baking dish. Sprinkle on extra cheddar and drizzle a little more BBQ sauce for good measure. Pop it under a preheated 400ºF oven for about 15 minutes, just until the top is bronzed and irresistible. Don’t forget to let it cool for a few minutes—it’s molten hot!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Cilantro or sliced green onions scattered over the top brighten up this dish with a fresh, zippy punch. A drizzle of extra barbecue sauce always looks inviting, and a sprinkle of crispy crumbled bacon or fried onions brings irresistible crunch and a touch of decadence.

Side Dishes

Pair BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with a crisp green salad, simple steamed broccoli, or juicy fresh corn on the cob. For a true summer cookout vibe, coleslaw or roasted vegetables on the side balance the rich, cheesy main perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the mac and cheese into individual ramekins or small cast iron skillets for a charming, personal feel. For a party, serve it in a big casserole with a topping bar—think extra hot sauce, bacon, chopped jalapeños, and green onions—so guests can customize their own BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese keeps beautifully! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days—just be sure it’s fully cooled before you pack it away.

Freezing

This dish freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil, then stash in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in the oven covered at 350ºF or zap single servings in the microwave with a splash of milk to keep things creamy. Give it a good stir before serving to redistribute all that saucy, cheesy goodness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving cheesy comfort with a smoky, tangy twist, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the answer. I know you’ll adore every saucy, flavorful bite—don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to dinner for family, friends, and cozy nights alike. Happy cooking!

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