Savory BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese You’ll Want to Devour
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is my go-to when I want comfort food but don’t want another boring casserole. Right when I think I’ve had enough plain macaroni, this recipe comes along and totally flips the script. Whenever my week’s been a little too much, I find myself craving something super cheesy, kind of smoky, and with that mouthwatering BBQ twist. I mean, who doesn’t get tired of bland pasta sometimes? If you’re looking to jazz up dinner without too much hassle, this is the ticket.
Why Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Let me just say, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is not some bland elbow macaroni situation. It’s like cheesy goodness met smoky chicken at a five-star restaurant, but in your own kitchen. There’s something about that sweet BBQ sauce with juicy chicken and rich cheese that just tastes like a party.
Confession time: I used to only get this kind of thing at restaurants until I realized how EASY it was. You don’t need to be a kitchen wizard to knock this out. My uncle tried this at our last family BBQ, by the way, and actually asked for leftovers. Uncle Steve doesn’t do leftovers. That speaks for itself, right?
If you’re feeding picky eaters or just want something crowd-pleasing, this one’s a slam dunk. It’s total comfort that’s not plain old boring. Plus, you can hide all sorts of leftovers in here and no one will notice.
Ingredient Notes
Listen, I’m not fancy, but a couple ingredients make a huge difference here. Obviously, you want pasta. Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells work fine. Shredded chicken is the star. I use rotisserie sometimes because I’m lazy (don’t judge). Any BBQ sauce works, but I love a smoky-sweet sauce. Cheddar’s a must for sharp flavor and meltiness, but mixing in Monterey Jack? Next level.
Don’t skip the cream. It gets things super creamy, duh. A sprinkle of smoked paprika is my secret — gives that extra BBQ vibe. If you’re feeling wild, toss in crispy bacon or diced jalapeños. Trust me, nobody ever complained about more flavor.
Seriously, even if you only have basic cheese and some leftover grilled chicken, still worth it. I never get complaints about shortcuts in this house.
“Made this after a hectic Monday, and the kids actually went back for seconds. My picky husband too. That never happens around here!” – Jamie, longtime home cook
Recipe Variations
Here’s where things get fun. You can totally play around with what you like or what you have. One time, I used smoked turkey instead of chicken (holidays, am I right?) and it tasted fantastic, maybe even better. I’ve swapped out half the cheddar for pepper jack for some spice.
If you’re vegetarian, skip the chicken and add roasted veggies in BBQ sauce. Red onion, corn, and bell peppers go great. Gluten-free pasta? Works. No shame in using pre-shredded cheese if you’re on a schedule. Honestly, it still tastes like something you’d pay fifteen bucks for at a fancy lunch spot.
And hey, sometimes I stir in a little hot sauce for real heat seekers. Nobody’s ever accused this dish of being bland.
Steps To Make this Recipe
Okay, here’s how I do BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese when I’m running on fumes but still want something decent.
First, boil your macaroni. Salt that water like the ocean, trust me. While the pasta cooks, get your shredded chicken mixed with BBQ sauce in a skillet. Low heat is key, or it dries out. Then, in a big pot, melt butter and whisk in a little flour until you have a paste (it shouldn’t smell raw anymore). Pour in cream and keep whisking, then toss in all your cheese. Let it melt until it’s smooth and creamy.
Drain that macaroni and dump it right into your cheese sauce. Stir. Add your BBQ chicken right in and mix it all up. Sometimes I’ll toss an extra handful of cheese on top and put it under the broiler just to get things bubbly and golden. It’s totally optional, but makes things extra tasty.
Let it rest for a minute or two so you don’t burn yourself. That’s it. Easy as boxed mac, and a million times better.
What To Serve With BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
There’s no wrong way to eat this dish, but here are a few things that always impress at my table:
- Add a crisp, simple slaw on the side for crunch and coolness.
- Serve garlic bread or cornbread (cornbread is chef’s kiss).
- Cucumber salad cuts all that richness.
- Roasted broccoli or green beans keep it balanced.
If you’re going all-out, some fried pickles would not be out of place. I’ve done it. No regrets.
Common Questions
Q: Can I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. It reheats really well, just stir in a splash of milk before microwaving so it stays creamy.
Q: What BBQ sauce do you recommend?
A: Use one you’d eat with a spoon. If you like it on your chicken, you’ll like it here. I use a Kansas City style because it’s tangy and a little sweet.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: Yup! It’s one of the few pasta bakes that holds up in the freezer. Let it cool, pack in containers, and reheat with extra cheese.
Q: Which pasta shape is best?
A: Macaroni elbows are classic, but honestly, shells or penne work too. Go wild; no pasta police here.
Q: How can I make this dish spicy?
A: Easy. Add diced jalapeños, extra black pepper, or a spicy BBQ sauce before mixing.
Your New Favorite Comfort Food
Let’s face it, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is not your average weeknight meal. It’s cozy, cheesy, and honestly a bit over-the-top — which is exactly how I like it. If you’re bored of regular meals and want something everyone will rave about, give this a shot. For more tips on mac and cheese magic, I sometimes check out what Serious Eats suggests, too. Now go forth, get creative, and don’t be surprised if you’re asked to make it again — like, tomorrow.
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Boil water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, salting the water generously.
- In a skillet, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce over low heat.
- In a large pot, melt butter and whisk in flour until combined and fragrant.
- Gradually pour in heavy cream while continuously whisking.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and creamy.
- Drain the macaroni and add it to the cheese sauce.
- Stir in the BBQ chicken mixture until well combined.
- Optional: Add an extra handful of cheese on top and broil until bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
