BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with tangy barbecue chicken for a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings favorite flavors together in one dish.

Ingredients

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Step 2: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a large mixing bowl. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, mix the cooked pasta, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5. Step 5: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the pasta and cheese blend until thoroughly mixed.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle any remaining cheese on top.
7. Step 7: Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, optionally garnished with breadcrumbs, crispy bacon bits, or chopped green onions for added texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
• For extra crunch, top with toasted breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter before baking.
• If you prefer spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
• Leftover cooked chicken can easily be swapped for rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells works well with this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package.

Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the dish and cover it before refrigerating. When ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 139 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with savory BBQ shredded chicken for a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden top, this dish is perfect for a hearty family dinner or casual get-together.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Chicken

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce

Cheese Mixture

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

Seasonings

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• Crispy bacon bits
• Chopped green onions
• Breadcrumbs

---

Instructions

1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
2. Cook Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Prepare Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the BBQ sauce, stirring until the chicken is fully coated in the sauce.
4. Mix Cheese and Pasta: In another large bowl, mix together the cooked pasta, sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
5. Combine Chicken and Pasta Mixture: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the pasta and cheese blend, mixing gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a baking dish and spread the combined mixture evenly within it. If desired, sprinkle any leftover cheese on top for a cheesier crust.
7. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot. Optionally, garnish with crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor.

Notes

• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and flavor.
• To make this dish spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese mixture.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, add a splash more milk before baking.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free macaroni and use gluten-free breadcrumbs if topping.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, BBQ chicken recipe