HomeDinnerBBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Family Dinner Comfort Food

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Family Dinner Comfort Food

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Yield: 6-8

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Family Dinner Comfort Food

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Family Dinner Comfort Food

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Family Dinner Comfort Food is rich, smoky, and irresistibly creamy. Tender chicken is coated in sweet and savory barbecue sauce, then folded into cheesy macaroni for the perfect balance of bold flavor and comforting texture.

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Mac and Cheese:
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • For the BBQ Chicken:
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • ¾–1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • Optional Toppings:
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar
  • ¼ cup cooked bacon bits
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the BBQ Chicken

In a bowl, mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Set aside.

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3. Make the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream. Cook until thickened (3–5 minutes).
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine

Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.
Gently stir in BBQ chicken until evenly distributed.

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5. Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
Top with additional shredded cheese and bacon if desired.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.

6. Serve

Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions.

Notes

  • Extra Smoky Flavor: Add a dash of liquid smoke or use smoked cheddar.
  • Spicy Version: Stir in diced jalapeños or use spicy BBQ sauce.
  • Make Ahead: Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Protein Boost: Use whole wheat or high-protein pasta.

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Family Dinner Comfort Food is rich, smoky, and irresistibly creamy. Tender chicken is coated in sweet and savory barbecue sauce, then folded into cheesy macaroni for the perfect balance of bold flavor and comforting texture.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish brings together two all-time favorites in one satisfying bake. It’s hearty, family-friendly, and guaranteed to become a regular on your dinner rotation.

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