BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Nothing says comfort food quite like BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese—a dish that wraps you in a creamy, cheesy embrace while treating you to smoky, tangy bites of barbecue chicken. This brilliant casserole brings together all the best parts of a backyard cookout and a cozy night in, combining al dente pasta, melting cheese, and bold barbecue flavors into one endlessly satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for the perfect weeknight family dinner, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is sure to bring everyone to the table with a smile.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s walk through the straightforward ingredients that make this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese truly unforgettable. Every element in this recipe plays a crucial part—some bring irresistible creaminess, some add a punch of flavor or crunch, and others make the whole dish sing with vibrant color and aroma.

• Elbow macaroni (8 oz): The classic shape ensures every bite grabs on to that luscious cheese sauce.
• Butter (1 tbsp): Essential for starting a rich roux that becomes the heart of the creamy cheese sauce.
• All-purpose flour (1 tbsp): A little bit works magic to thicken your sauce without weighing it down.
• Whole milk (2 cups): This helps you achieve that signature, silky-smooth texture mac and cheese lovers crave.
• Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (1 cup): Brings bold flavor and a vibrant golden color to the sauce.
• Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1 cup): Adds mellow creaminess that melts beautifully with cheddar.
• Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Gives the sauce a subtle savory depth—your taste buds will notice!
• Smoked paprika (1/4 tsp): Supplies a gentle smokiness that echoes classic BBQ notes throughout the dish.
• Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Provides a light kick and balances the creamy cheese.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): Highlights every cheesy, barbecue-rich bite.
• Cooked shredded BBQ chicken (1 1/2 cups): The BBQ hero—use leftover or rotisserie chicken tossed in your favorite barbecue sauce for ease and flavor.
• Barbecue sauce (1/4 cup): Lends tangy, sweet, and smoky elements to the mac and cheese—don’t skip it!
• Panko breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): These yield an irresistibly crisp golden topping after baking.
• Melted butter (1 tbsp): Mixing this with panko ensures every crumb browns up perfectly.
• Chopped fresh parsley (2 tbsp): A fresh green finish lifts every serving and makes it pop on the plate.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pasta

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F—a nice, toasty temperature that will give your casserole a bubbling, golden top without drying out the mac and cheese. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions, making sure to keep it just al dente. Remember, the pasta will continue cooking in the oven, so a firm bite now ensures you aren’t left with mushy noodles later. Drain the pasta, set it aside, and get ready for cheesy goodness.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

This sauce is the cozy soul of your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter, then quickly whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Give it about a minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Slowly stream in the whole milk while whisking, and watch as the mixture thickens into a dreamy, luscious sauce in just a few minutes. Turn down the heat and stir in both the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses along with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. In less than a minute, you’ll have a pot of pure, molten cheese magic.

Step 3: Bring on the BBQ Chicken

In a large bowl, combine your perfectly cooked pasta, creamy cheese sauce, shredded BBQ chicken, and that all-important barbecue sauce. Give it a gentle stir so that each noodle is evenly coated. The combination of tender, smoky BBQ chicken with that robust cheese sauce is what takes this dish straight to crowd-pleasing status. Every bite of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a revelation when the flavors meld like this!

Step 4: Assemble and Top

Pour the cheesy, barbecue-infused pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Now for the pièce de résistance—a savory, crunchy panko topping. In a small bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. As it bakes, this topping will become gorgeously golden and add that addictive contrast to the creamy pasta underneath.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake the casserole for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling at the edges and the top is irresistibly crisp and browned. The aroma that will fill your kitchen is the very definition of “dinner joy.” Sprinkle with plenty of freshly chopped parsley before serving, and prepare to see happy faces at your dinner table!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of green that brightens up the whole dish, both in flavor and appearance. If you want to take things even further, try a light dusting of extra smoked paprika or a quick swirl of barbecue sauce on top for a little extra flair. Some thinly sliced green onions or chopped chives can also bring a zippy freshness to each bite.

Side Dishes

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese loves a simple, crisp side salad—think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to offset the creamy, cheesy richness. Steamed green beans, honey butter corn, or even classic coleslaw make great partners as well. For something heartier, serve with a slice of warm cornbread or some garlic bread to round out the meal and soak up every last drop of cheese sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving friends or entertaining, go beyond family-style! Spoon BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into small ramekins for individual portions, or use muffin tins for cute, portable mac and cheese “bites.” For backyard parties, pile servings into mason jars for a rustic, Instagram-worthy presentation. Top each one with a sprinkle of extra cheese, more BBQ sauce, or even a crispy fried onion ring if you’re feeling bold.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making day-two servings almost as irresistible as the first. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before storing to keep everything fresh and delicious.

Freezing

You absolutely can freeze this dish! Simply let your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. When sealed tightly, it will keep for up to two months. This makes it perfect for busy nights when you need a homemade meal in a hurry—just remember to label your containers with the date.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave, covered, until heated through—add a splash of milk or a little extra barbecue sauce to bring back the creaminess. For larger amounts, cover the baking dish with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. The panko topping crisps right back up, and the dish tastes wonderfully fresh.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, feel free to try cavatappi, shells, rotini, or penne. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up nicely after baking.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken tossed in barbecue sauce is the ultimate shortcut, but you can also bake, grill, or poach boneless, skinless chicken breasts and shred them. For extra flavor, marinate your chicken in barbecue sauce before cooking.

Can I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free macaroni and use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux. There are also gluten-free panko breadcrumbs available in most grocery stores.

Which barbecue sauce works best?

It’s totally up to you! A smoky, sweet Kansas City-style sauce or a tangy Carolina-style sauce both add fantastic flavor. Use your family’s favorite, or go bold with a spicy variety for an extra kick in your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Can I prep this dish ahead for a party?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the panko topping, then cover and refrigerate for up to one day. Just add the topping before baking, and maybe tack on an extra 5–10 minutes of bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving the ultimate blend of smoky, tangy, and comforting flavors, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. It’s hearty, impressively easy to whip up, and destined to become your family’s new favorite. Give this recipe a try and let the rich, cheesy goodness speak for itself—happy cooking!

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