As I walked into my kitchen, the aroma of smoky BBQ sauce wafted through the air, instantly transporting me to a sunny backyard picnic. This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is my go-to comfort food that turns any evening into a cozy gathering. It’s not just another mac and cheese; this dish features mouthwatering, shredded chicken enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce, making it a high-protein delight that’s quick to whip up in under 30 minutes. With its customizable flavors, you can easily switch up the BBQ sauce or toss in some veggies to tailor it to your taste. Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a recipe that’s bound to impress? Why Is BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese a Must-Try? Comforting Flavor Explosion: You’ll love how the smoky BBQ sauce melds perfectly with the rich, cheesy pasta, creating a flavor sensation. Quick and Easy: With under 30 minutes of prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or surprise guests. Customizable to Your Taste: Whether you prefer spicy or sweet BBQ sauce, you can easily adapt this dish to suit your cravings. Add veggies like bell peppers for extra nutrition! High-Protein Goodness: The tender chicken not only adds flavor but also packs a protein punch, making this a hearty option for families. Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Serve it at gatherings or potlucks; it’s sure to be a hit with everyone, just like my Cream Cheese Chicken Taquitos are with guests! BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredients Unleash the flavors of BBQ with these essential ingredients! For the Chicken Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts – The star of this dish; juicy and tender, it absorbs all the BBQ goodness. Consider using rotisserie chicken for super-fast prep. For the Sauce BBQ Sauce – This smoky, tangy key ingredient brings the comfort flavor; choose your favorite style—sweet, spicy, or smoky. Butter – Adds richness and aids in creating a velvety cheese sauce. Flour – Thickens the sauce, giving it that desired creamy texture. Milk – Helps achieve a smooth, creamy consistency in your cheese sauce. Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – Elevates the savory notes of the sauce, making every bite irresistible. Salt & Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance the flavor balance. For the Pasta Macaroni – Use elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you love; it holds the cheese sauce splendidly. For the Cheese Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar gives a rich, flavorful base to the dish. Mozzarella Cheese – Adds an ooey-gooey melty finish that’s simply irresistible. Embrace the warmth and comfort of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, where each ingredient plays a vital role in making it a family favorite! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Step 1: Cook the Chicken Begin by seasoning your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat, and add the chicken. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Once done, remove from heat and shred the chicken using forks. Step 2: Cook the Pasta Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta well in a colander, then set it aside for later, allowing excess water to escape. Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute until it forms a paste. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while continuously whisking. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes, then stir in garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor. Step 4: Add Cheese Once your cheese sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat and start adding the cheeses. Stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, mixing until completely melted and smooth. Check for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed, creating a delectable sauce for your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Step 5: Combine Everything In a large mixing dish, combine the shredded chicken and the cooked macaroni. Pour your rich cheese sauce over the mixture, followed by your favorite BBQ sauce, typically about 1/2 cup, and stir until every piece is well coated. Ensure that the flavors are well melded together for a delicious, hearty meal. Step 6: Serve & Enjoy Once everything is combined, transfer your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into serving bowls. This dish is best served hot, so consider garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce for added flavor. Enjoy your comforting creation as you gather around the table! What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese? Transform your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into a complete meal that delights all the senses! Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and aroma that enhances this comforting dish. It’s perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce! Fresh Garden Salad: A crisp garden salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the mac and cheese, balancing the meal perfectly. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized seasonal veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots provide nutty depth and a splash of color, making your plate vibrant and nutritious. Coleslaw: The creamy, tangy crunch of coleslaw complements the BBQ flavors beautifully. Add some jalapeños for a zesty kick that can’t be beaten! Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn on the cob can be the perfect side, bringing summertime vibes that pair wonderfully with the smoky notes of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies will cap off the meal with a sweet finish that everyone loves. Enjoy cozy bites with a glass of milk! Make Ahead Options These BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese are perfect for busy weeknights and meal prepping! You can cook the chicken and shred it up to 3 days in advance, storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its tenderness. Additionally, you can prepare the cheese sauce and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before mixing it with the macaroni and BBQ sauce. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine everything and bake for a quick dinner, ensuring that each component is heated through. This approach keeps the dish just as delicious while saving you valuable time, making it ideal for hectic schedules! Expert Tips for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your macaroni until just al dente; it will continue to soften when mixed with the hot cheese sauce, ensuring the perfect texture. Shred Chicken Properly: Use forks to shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces; this helps the chicken absorb the BBQ sauce better in your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Custom Flavor Adjustments: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile—whether you like it sweet, smoky, or spicy, this dish adapts beautifully! Use Fresh Cheese: Always go for freshly grated cheese over pre-shredded; it melts better and provides a creamier finish to your cheese sauce. Store Leftovers Wisely: Keep any leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Variations Feel free to let your creativity shine with these delightful twists on BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! Cheese Swap: Replace mozzarella and cheddar with smoked gouda or spicy pepper jack for an exciting flavor experience. Veggie Boost: Toss in fresh spinach, roasted bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms to elevate the nutritional value and add color. Bacon Addition: Add crispy, crumbled bacon or diced smoked sausage to enhance the heartiness and create an irresistible crunch. Vegan Alternative: For a plant-based version, use chickpeas or lentils as a protein source, and swap cheese for cashew cream or nutritional yeast. Heat Up: If you crave some heat, stir in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce for a zesty kick! Pasta Variety: Change up the texture by using different pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat spaghetti for a subtle twist. BBQ Sauce Play: Try variations of BBQ sauce—homemade, mustard-based, or a tangy vinegar style—to discover new layers of flavor in your dish. Feeling inspired? Dive into more culinary adventures with dishes like the Crockpot Cheese Tortellini or the savory Garlic Parmesan Chicken. Enjoy the journey of discovery in your kitchen! How to Store and Freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the creamy texture of your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Freezer: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container, and consider splitting it into portions for easy defrosting. Reheating: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir frequently until heated through, enjoying every comforting bite. Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. This prevents uneven heating and keeps the flavors intact. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQs How do I select the best chicken for this recipe? Absolutely! When choosing the chicken, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure a tender result. If you’re short on time, consider using rotisserie chicken, which is already cooked and saves you prep time! How should I store leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese? Very! Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This will help maintain its creamy texture. Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese? Yes! You can freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for up to 2 months. Be sure to use a freezer-safe container or split it into smaller portions for easier thawing. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. What should I do if my cheese sauce isn’t creamy? If your cheese sauce turns out clumpy instead of smooth, try adding a little more milk and heating it gently over low heat while whisking continuously until smooth. Remember to use freshly grated cheese, as pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s texture. Are there any dietary considerations I should keep in mind? Definitely! If you or someone you’re serving has dairy allergies, you can substitute dairy products with lactose-free alternatives or use plant-based cheese. Additionally, if you’re following a low-carb diet, consider using zucchini noodles or cauliflower as a pasta substitute. What can I do to customize the flavors of my BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese? The more the merrier! You can customize this recipe to suit your tastes by experimenting with various BBQ sauces, like sweet, spicy, or smoky varieties. Additionally, try adding in veggies like bell peppers or even jalapeños for a spicy kick. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a high-protein, comforting dish that's quick to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 15 minutes minsCook Time 15 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 600 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Chicken1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Consider using rotisserie chicken for super-fast prep.For the Sauce1/2 cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite style—sweet, spicy, or smoky.2 tablespoons Butter2 tablespoons Flour2 cups Milk1 teaspoon Garlic Powder1 teaspoon Onion Powderto taste Saltto taste PepperFor the Pasta8 ounces Macaroni Use elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you love.For the Cheese1 cup Cheddar Cheese Shredded1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Shredded Equipment skilletLarge potMedium SaucepanColander Method Step‑by‑Step InstructionsSeason the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Shred the chicken.Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, add macaroni, and cook according to package instructions (about 7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour. Gradually pour in milk while continuously whisking. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened, then stir in garlic powder and onion powder.Remove the sauce from heat and add both cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.Combine shredded chicken and pasta in a large mixing bowl, then pour the cheese sauce and BBQ sauce over, stirring to coat evenly.Serve hot, garnished with herbs or additional BBQ sauce as desired. Nutrition Serving: 1cupCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. This dish can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
