BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – Creamy, Smoky & Cheesy Delight

When classic mac and cheese meets smoky BBQ chicken, the result is pure comfort food perfection. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and irresistibly hearty—a dish that satisfies every craving in one bowl. Imagine tender pieces of BBQ-glazed chicken nestled in a bed of creamy, melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. The first time I made this, I used leftover grilled chicken tossed with homemade barbecue sauce, and it turned out to be one of the most-loved dinners in my house. Whether served at a family gathering, potluck, or cozy weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish combines the best of two comfort food favorites—BBQ chicken and mac and cheese—into one unforgettable meal. It’s rich and creamy yet packed with smoky-sweet flavor from the barbecue sauce. You’ll love how the sharp cheddar balances the tangy BBQ glaze, and the baked finish gives it a golden, bubbly crust. Plus, it’s easy to customize with different cheeses, sauces, or toppings to suit your taste.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pasta: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells or cavatappi work beautifully for holding the sauce.

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. You can use grilled, shredded rotisserie, or leftover BBQ chicken.

BBQ Sauce: The key flavor component—choose a smoky, tangy sauce that complements the creamy cheese.

Butter: Forms the base of the roux, which thickens the cheese sauce and adds richness.

Flour: Helps create a smooth, velvety sauce when combined with butter and milk.

Milk and Heavy Cream: Combine for a creamy texture that coats the pasta perfectly.

Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the sauce its classic flavor and vibrant color.

Mozzarella or Monterey Jack Cheese: Adds gooey meltiness and creamy texture.

Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Enhance flavor depth and balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce.

Paprika (optional): Adds a hint of smokiness and color to the dish.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning.

Breadcrumbs (optional): For a crispy topping when baking.

Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and freshness.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth, then add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy. Add the cooked pasta and mix until coated. Fold in shredded or cubed BBQ chicken, along with a few spoonfuls of BBQ sauce for flavor. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top, and sprinkle with cheese and breadcrumbs if desired. Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until golden and bubbly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Essential Equipmen

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation takes 15 minutes, cooking 30 minutes, and baking about 20 minutes, making the total time approximately 1 hour.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent the cheese from separating.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy BBQ Mac: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Bacon Lover’s Twist: Mix in crispy bacon bits for smoky crunch.
Buffalo Chicken Mac: Swap BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy flavor.
Smoked Gouda Upgrade: Use smoked Gouda instead of cheddar for a deeper smoky taste.
Loaded Mac Bake: Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
Pulled Pork Mac: Replace chicken with shredded pulled pork for a Southern-style spin.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based cheese, milk, and BBQ sauce with chick’n strips.
Veggie Boost: Add roasted corn, bell peppers, or caramelized onions for texture.
Sweet Heat BBQ: Mix honey or brown sugar into the BBQ sauce for a sweet kick.
Grilled Version: Prepare the mac and cheese, then grill it briefly in a cast iron pan for a charred flavor.

FAQs

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?

A smoky, slightly sweet sauce pairs beautifully with the creamy cheese.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, BBQ leftovers or rotisserie chicken work perfectly.

What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a rich, smooth texture.

Can I make this without baking?

Yes, you can serve it straight from the skillet for a stovetop version.

Can I freeze BBQ chicken mac and cheese?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute for the roux.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and prevents clumping.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting grainy?

Melt the cheese slowly over low heat and avoid overheating the sauce.

What pasta shape works best?

Elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi hold the sauce well.

How can I make it extra cheesy?

Add extra shredded cheese on top before baking for a gooey crust.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate fusion of creamy, smoky, and cheesy comfort. It’s hearty, indulgent, and guaranteed to satisfy everyone at the table. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of tangy BBQ sauce and rich cheese sauce—making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in. Simple to make yet irresistibly flavorful, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite whenever you crave true comfort food bliss.

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