BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’ve ever wished for the comfort of mac and cheese and the bold, smoky kick of BBQ chicken all in one bite, get ready—BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is about to become your new obsession! This recipe turns simple ingredients into a flavor-packed, creamy, and slightly spicy pasta dish that feels like a big, warm hug straight from the oven.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is how each ingredient adds a special something: spicy, creamy, smoky, crunchy, or cheesy. Together, they deliver a dish that’s just as easy to make as it is to devour. Here’s what makes this recipe irresistible.

• Chicken Breasts: Sliced and seasoned, these soak up all the spicy, smoky goodness from the BBQ and hot sauce. You can use rotisserie for a shortcut!
• BBQ Sauce: The secret to big flavor—choose one that’s sweet, smoky, or spicy according to your taste.
• Frank’s Red Hot (or any buffalo sauce): This is optional but brings that subtle, mouth-tingling heat that takes the dish over the top.
• Medium Shells (Pasta): The classic shape holds onto all the cheesy sauce and little shreds of chicken. Gluten-free pasta works well, too!
• Butter & All Purpose Flour: The dynamic duo that forms the backbone of your velvety, smooth cheese sauce—don’t skip the roux.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts smoothly and gives that golden color and deep savory taste classic to mac and cheese.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: Adds a kick and beautiful melt—if you’re sensitive to spice, you can swap for Monterey Jack.
• Chipotle Powder & Garlic Powder: Layered through the chicken and cheese sauce for smoky warmth and depth.
• Milk & Water (or broth): Loosens and flavors the cheese sauce; you can use all milk, all broth, or a combo for creamy but not-too-rich results.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out every flavor—taste as you go to get that perfect balance.
• Oil: Just a splash to give your chicken a golden sear in the pan.

Variations

One of the joys of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is just how easy it is to make the recipe your own. Whether you want to tweak the spice level, keep it gluten-free, or play with the cheeses, there are so many ways to customize!

• Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: Swap the BBQ chicken for pulled pork for a smoky, Southern twist everyone will rave over.
• Veggie Lover’s Version: Add sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or steamed broccoli to sneak in some extra goodness and color.
• Gluten-Free Mac: Use gluten-free shells and flour without sacrificing any creamy, cheesy satisfaction.
• Lighter Option: Try low-fat cheese, use chicken broth instead of milk, and choose a protein pasta to suit your health goals.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Sear and Cook the Chicken

Begin by slicing your chicken breasts in half for quick, even cooking. Rub them all over with chipotle powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium-high and sear the chicken until both sides are beautifully golden and the inside hits 165°F—about 8–10 minutes per side. Let the chicken rest briefly before shredding or chopping—it stays juicy this way!

Step 2: Toss Chicken with BBQ and Hot Sauce

Mix the freshly chopped or shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce and, if you love a little heat, a splash of buffalo or hot sauce. This is where that smoky, tangy flavor gets locked in. Set the saucy chicken aside and try not to eat too much while assembling the rest—you’ll want plenty in your mac and cheese!

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

Cook your pasta shells according to the package directions. Make sure to keep them just al dente so the noodles hold up once mixed with the cheese and baked. Drain and set aside, but don’t rinse—the bit of starch will help your sauce stick.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce Magic

In the same pot you cooked the pasta in, melt butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly to make a smooth roux—this only takes a minute but gives the cheese sauce its rich, luxurious texture. Stir in garlic powder, chipotle, salt, pepper, and pour in milk and water (or broth). Simmer this until it thickens slightly, then sprinkle in the shredded cheeses, stirring until velvety and smooth.

Step 5: Combine, Bake, and Serve

Add your cooked pasta and BBQ chicken into the pot with the decadent cheese sauce, and gently stir to combine. At this point, you can serve it up creamy and hot, or spoon everything into a buttered casserole, top with extra cheese and a drizzle of BBQ sauce, and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Either way, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese comes out swoon-worthy and ready for a sprinkle of chopped cilantro if you crave a fresh pop!

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Take your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese from comfort classic to showstopper with fresh garnishes—try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for brightness, sliced green onions for a pop of color, or a few crunchy fried onions for irresistible texture. Even a final drizzle of BBQ sauce or hot sauce right before serving adds a beautiful finish and an extra hit of flavor.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and filling, but it pairs wonderfully with cool, crisp sides. Think classic coleslaw, a simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette, or even some garlicky roasted broccoli. For a true BBQ spread, cornbread or pickles on the side are a delightful touch!

Creative Ways to Present

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t just for casserole dishes—try serving it in individual ramekins for a fun dinner party twist, or spoon into hollowed bread bowls for the ultimate comfort meal. Leftovers even make epic mac and cheese grilled cheese sandwiches or can be scooped atop baked potatoes for lunch the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (good luck!), store your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors deepen overnight, and it reheats beautifully for a super satisfying lunch or quick weeknight dinner.

Freezing

This recipe freezes like a dream! Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat for a comforting meal anytime you crave it.

Reheating

For best results, reheat BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese gently in the microwave or covered in a low oven (325ºF) until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if needed to loosen up the sauce—stir well and top with a bit of extra cheese if you want to freshen it up!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that’s hearty, craveable, and always a hit, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the answer. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and BBQ magic—easy enough for a weeknight but crowd-pleasing enough to bring to any gathering. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own signature cheesy masterpiece!

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