BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Few dishes evoke the comforting warmth of home cooking quite like macaroni and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food—a creamy, cheesy, indulgent embrace on a plate that satisfies cravings across generations and cultures. Now, imagine elevating this classic with the bold, smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue chicken, creating a fusion that’s both familiar and exciting: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish perfectly balances rich, creamy textures with a vibrant, smoky kick, making it a surefire crowd-pleaser at family dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a true celebration of Americana, bringing together two beloved staples: southern-style barbecue and classic comfort food pasta. The marriage of shredded barbecue chicken with gooey cheese sauce and tender macaroni creates a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and immensely satisfying. Whether you prefer it baked to bubbly perfection or served straight from the stovetop, this recipe delivers layers of taste and texture that delight the palate with every bite.

At its heart, this dish is all about balance—balancing the creamy and cheesy with the smoky and savory, the tender chicken with the tender pasta, and the spicy tang of barbecue sauce with the mellow richness of cheese. The chicken is typically slow-cooked or grilled and then shredded to absorb smoky barbecue sauce, while the cheese sauce is crafted to be luxuriously smooth, with just the right blend of sharp and mild cheeses. Together, these elements combine to create a dish that’s more than the sum of its parts.

One of the great things about BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is its versatility. It can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Want it extra smoky? Add smoked gouda or a dash of liquid smoke. Prefer a little heat? Toss in some diced jalapeños or hot sauce. Looking for a vegetarian twist? Substitute BBQ jackfruit or smoked mushrooms for the chicken. The recipe can also be modified to be gluten-free or dairy-free, making it accessible for many dietary needs.

Beyond its deliciousness, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a dish that embodies the spirit of sharing and togetherness. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead. It pairs beautifully with simple sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or grilled vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal. Plus, it’s easy to customize and scale, whether you’re cooking for two or twenty.

This guide will take you on a culinary journey through every step of making BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese—from selecting the best chicken and crafting your barbecue sauce, to preparing a creamy cheese sauce and achieving the ideal baked crust. We’ll explore tips and tricks for perfect pasta texture, secrets to balancing flavors, and options for enhancing the dish with creative add-ins. Along the way, you’ll also discover the history and cultural roots of barbecue and mac and cheese, as well as nutritional insights and storage advice.

By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence you need to prepare an unforgettable BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that will satisfy even the most discerning comfort food aficionados. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe promises to bring joy, flavor, and that irresistible feeling of indulgence to your table.

Step-by-Step Instructions: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

Option A: Using Cooked Rotisserie Chicken

1. Remove the skin and bones from a rotisserie chicken.

2. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

3. Toss the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce (about 1 cup) until well coated.

4. Set aside.

Option B: Cooking Chicken Breast or Thighs

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season 2 large chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (optional).

3. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks.

5. Toss shredded chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce.

6. Set aside.

Tip: You can also grill chicken for added smoky flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

2. Add 12 oz elbow macaroni or your preferred small pasta shape.

3. Cook according to package instructions until al dente (usually 7–8 minutes).

4. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.

Note: Slightly undercooking the pasta is fine since it will continue to cook in the oven.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce (Béchamel Base)

1. In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat.

2. Once melted, whisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour to make a roux.

3. Cook the roux for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it’s light golden and bubbling.

4. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk (warm or room temp), stirring to avoid lumps.

5. Continue to whisk and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5–7 minutes).

6. Remove from heat and stir in:

   • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

   • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

   • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

   • Salt and pepper to taste

   • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

7. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese Sauce

1. In a large mixing bowl or the saucepan used for the sauce, combine:

   • Cooked pasta

   • BBQ chicken

   • Cheese sauce

2. Gently stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Dish and Topping

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

3. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish and spread evenly.

4. For the crunchy topping, mix together:

   • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

   • 2 tablespoons melted butter

   • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

5. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

1. Bake the mac and cheese uncovered for 25–30 minutes.

2. The topping should turn golden brown and crispy.

3. The cheese sauce should be bubbly around the edges.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.

2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired.

3. Serve hot as a main dish or a hearty side.

Additional Tips for Success

• For extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce.

• Use a mix of cheeses for complexity: try smoked gouda, fontina, or Monterey Jack.

• Adjust the BBQ sauce amount to taste—more for a saucier dish, less for subtle flavor.

• For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

• To make ahead, assemble everything, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.