Thank you so much for stopping by today! If you’ve ever found yourself craving creamy mac and cheese and smoky BBQ chicken at the same time… well, friend, you are in the right place. This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is what comfort food dreams are made of—cheesy, smoky, creamy, and loaded with flavor in every bite.
Whether you’re feeding the family on a cozy weeknight or looking for something crowd-pleasing for game day, this dish delivers. And if cheesy, saucy meals are your jam, don’t forget to subscribe to get more cozy recipes like this one straight to your inbox!
What Is BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
It’s exactly what it sounds like—and it’s everything. You start with a classic, ultra-creamy mac and cheese base, then fold in juicy shredded BBQ chicken and top it all with more cheese, crispy edges, and just the right amount of smoky sweetness. It’s indulgent, hearty, and totally comforting.
Whether you’re using leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled thighs, or even slow cooker BBQ chicken, this recipe is all about bold flavor + creamy comfort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Two comfort food icons in one dish
- Uses leftover chicken (hello, easy weeknight win!)
- Super customizable—make it spicy, smokier, or even gluten-free
- Great for meal prep, potlucks, or freezer meals
- Kids love it. Adults love it. Everyone wins.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine the rich, cheesy goodness of classic mac and cheese—think buttery noodles in a silky cheddar sauce—with the sweet, tangy kick of BBQ chicken woven through. You get smoky depth, creamy comfort, and melty cheese in every bite. Add a little crunchy topping? Chef’s kiss.
Benefits of This Recipe
- One pot + one baking dish = minimal cleanup
- A creative way to use up cooked chicken
- Reheats beautifully
- Can be made ahead and baked fresh
- Freezer-friendly for future cozy cravings
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra melt)
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Optional Toppings:
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crispy onions or breadcrumbs
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- Mixing bowls
- 9×13″ baking dish
- Whisk and wooden spoon
- Oven or broiler (for bubbling that cheesy top!)
Ingredient Swaps & Additions
- Spicy version? Add jalapeños or a drizzle of hot honey
- Smokier twist? Use smoked gouda or add chipotle powder
- Gluten-free? Sub GF pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend
- Protein-packed? Stir in black beans or crispy bacon!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, and cook 1 minute.
- Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth. Add garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Once thickened, stir in shredded cheeses until melty and smooth.
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken with BBQ sauce.
- Mix pasta, cheese sauce, and BBQ chicken in a large bowl.
- Pour into baking dish, top with more cheese and optional toppings.
- Bake uncovered 15–20 mins or until bubbly. Broil 2–3 mins if you love a crispy top!
- Let it cool slightly, then dig in.
What to Serve With It
- A side of greens or slaw for freshness
- Cornbread, garlic toast, or roasted veggies
- Pickles or tangy pickled onions
- Sweet tea or lemonade to sip alongside
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Mac
- Use day-old chicken or rotisserie for extra convenience
- Cook pasta just shy of done—it’ll soften in the oven
- Mix your cheeses! Cheddar + mozzarella = melty magic
- Add extra BBQ sauce at the table for saucy lovers
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store in a sealed container up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of milk or reheat in oven until warm and bubbly
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any BBQ sauce?
Yep—sweet, spicy, smoky—whatever you love works great here.
Can I skip the baking step?
Yes! Mix everything together in a pot and serve warm for a stovetop version.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely—assemble it in advance and bake when ready to serve.
Can I use beef instead of chicken?
Totally! This would be amazing with shredded beef or even Garlic Butter Beef Bites.
More Cozy, Cheesy Favorites
If this one hit the spot, you’re gonna love these next:
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – rich, melt-in-your-mouth goodness
- Easy 10-Minute Egg Fried Rice – quick, savory, and better than takeout
- Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Beef Bites – yes, they deserve a double mention!
Let’s Get Cheesy on Pinterest!
Made this BBQ Chicken Mac? I need to see it!
📸 Tag me over on Pinterest @TheKitchenJoyy and save this to your Cozy Dinners or Comfort Food Goals boards for when the craving strikes!
