BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and smoky barbecue flavors into a heavenly bowl of goodness. cozy chicken and stuffing dish Imagine diving into a cheesy, gooey masterpiece where every bite bursts with flavor and warmth—it’s like a hug from your favorite food.
Growing up, family gatherings were never complete without my aunt’s legendary BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. The aroma wafting through the kitchen always drew everyone in, sparking anticipation for a meal that felt like home. chicken avocado wrap Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive potluck, this dish never fails to impress.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of flavors offers a delightful twist on traditional mac and cheese
- Visually appealing with its golden crust and vibrant colors, it’s sure to please any crowd
- Versatile enough to be served as a main dish or side, it fits any occasion perfectly
I once made this dish for my friends’ game night, and let’s just say the bowl was empty before halftime!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
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Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade for an extra kick of flavor.
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Pasta: Elbow macaroni works best for capturing all that cheesy goodness.
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Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold flavor that complements the barbecue sauce beautifully.
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Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; feel free to substitute with your preferred type.
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Butter: Essential for that rich sauce base; salted butter enhances the flavor.
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Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the cheese sauce perfectly.
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Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are must-haves to elevate flavors.
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Panko Breadcrumbs: For that crispy topping; they add great texture to the dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below. fall squash soup.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before baking them in a greased dish for 25-30 minutes until cooked through. rolled chicken with feta.
Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and whisk in flour until combined. Gradually add milk while stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted and creamy.
Add Barbecue Sauce & Chicken: Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and mix it into the cheese sauce along with barbecue sauce. Combine until everything is well-coated.
Combine Pasta & Sauce**: Fold in cooked macaroni gently into the cheesy BBQ mixture using a spatula until evenly distributed.
Bake with Topping**: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs for crunch, then bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Now comes the hardest part: letting it cool slightly before diving in! Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese experience—every bite should taste like pure bliss! For more inspiration, check out this Baked Ranch Chicken Recipe recipe.
You Must Know
- BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy cheese sauce with smoky BBQ chicken, creating a comforting dish
- The blend of textures and flavors makes this recipe irresistible, perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in
- Don’t forget to sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking for that melty goodness!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking your pasta while grilling or baking the chicken. Once done, mix everything with the sauce for perfectly blended flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce if you’re feeling spicy! Toss in veggies like corn or bell peppers for added crunch and nutrition.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When preparing BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, avoid overcooking your pasta; al dente is key for texture
- Always taste your cheese sauce before mixing; adjusting seasonings can elevate the dish dramatically
- Lastly, don’t skimp on the cheese topping; it’s what dreams are made of
Sharing this recipe has brought smiles at every gathering, especially when my friends declared it “the ultimate comfort food.” Their empty plates say it all!
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Yes, leftover chicken adds great flavor and saves time during preparation.
What type of cheese works best in this recipe?
A mix of cheddar and mozzarella creates a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze it; just ensure it’s stored properly in a freezer-safe container.
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a mouthwatering fusion of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and smoky barbecue flavors. This dish is not just comfort food; it’s a celebration of taste that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds. With its golden crust and delightful cheesiness, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is sure to impress at any occasion.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp salted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken with salt and pepper; bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Boil water in a large pot; cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat; whisk in flour until combined. Gradually add milk while stirring until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces; mix with cheese sauce and barbecue sauce until well-coated.
- Gently fold cooked macaroni into the mixture; transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg




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