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!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a bold, comforting dinner mash-up that brings together smoky pulled chicken, creamy homemade cheese sauce, and tender elbow pasta—all baked to bubbling perfection. It’s perfect for easy weeknights, meal prep, or those cozy nights when only loaded mac will do!

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

For the Mac and Cheese Base:

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 cheese (optional)

For the BBQ Chicken:

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)

Optional Toppings:

Extra shredded cheese for the top
Crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs
Chopped green onions or parsley

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk. Add garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until thickened.
Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheeses until completely melted and smooth.
In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until fully coated.
Combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and BBQ chicken in a large mixing bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
Pour into the prepared baking dish and top with more cheese or crispy toppings if desired.
Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes if you want a crispier top!
Let cool slightly, garnish if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to make this extra quick!
Go wild with the cheese—pepper jack, smoked gouda, or Monterey Jack are all amazing swaps.
Prefer stovetop? Skip the baking step and serve it straight from the pan.
Great for meal prep—just portion and reheat with a splash of milk.
For extra smoky flavor, add a pinch of chipotle powder or drizzle with smoky BBQ sauce.

Author: Lily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese