Irresistible BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in 6 Easy Steps

Name: Irresistible BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe in 6 Easy Steps
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1/2 cup BBQ sauce; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper

Author: lia

Published: July 31, 2025

Updated: July 31, 2025

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There’s something magical about the way creamy mac and cheese hugs smoky BBQ chicken—it’s like a warm hug from your favorite comfort food. I still remember the first time I made this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for a family potluck. My cousin, who usually skips seconds, went back for thirds! The secret? That perfect balance of tangy BBQ sauce swirled into velvety cheese sauce, with tender pasta catching every flavorful bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving some serious cozy vibes, this dish delivers. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the kitchen, forks at the ready, before you’ve even finished stirring the pot.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Gather these simple ingredients to create the ultimate comfort dish. Trust me, every component plays a role in that perfect smoky-creamy balance we’re after:

8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand – I’m partial to hickory-smoked)
2 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted both work)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (for that essential roux)
2 cups milk (whole milk makes it extra creamy)
2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (pack it lightly in measuring cup)
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you have it)

Ingredient Substitutions

No cheddar? Try Gouda or Colby Jack. Gluten-free? Swap in GF pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour. For extra kick, mix in some diced jalapeños with the chicken. The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can make it your own!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Okay, let’s dive into making this glorious dish! Don’t worry if you’re not a pro – I’ll walk you through each step like I’m right there in the kitchen with you. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be scooping out bowls of smoky, cheesy goodness in no time.

Cooking the Pasta and Chicken

First things first – get that pasta water boiling! I like to use a big pot with plenty of salted water (it should taste like the sea). Cook your elbows just until al dente – about 1 minute less than the package says. They’ll finish cooking later in the sauce, and nobody wants mushy pasta!

While that’s going, toss your shredded chicken with that glorious BBQ sauce in a skillet over medium heat. Just 2-3 minutes to warm through and let the flavors marry – we’re not trying to cook the chicken here, just get it nice and saucy. Pro tip: reserve about a tablespoon of BBQ sauce to swirl on top at the end for pretty presentation!

Preparing the Cheese Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens! Melt your butter in a large pot over medium heat (same one you’ll mix everything in later – fewer dishes!). Whisk in the flour and let it cook for about 1 minute until it smells nutty but not burned. This is your roux – the foundation of any good cheese sauce.

Now slowly stream in your milk while whisking constantly. I mean it – don’t stop whisking! This prevents lumps from forming. Keep cooking until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3-5 minutes. Then remove from heat and stir in that mountain of shredded cheese until it’s completely melted and silky smooth.

Combining Everything

Time to bring it all together! Drain your pasta and add it right into the cheese sauce along with that saucy BBQ chicken. Gently fold everything together – I like to use a rubber spatula for this part to keep the pasta intact. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water until it’s perfectly creamy.

Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Sometimes I’ll add an extra pinch of salt or another grind of pepper. Then serve immediately while it’s gloriously hot and gooey! That first bite of tender pasta coated in smoky cheese with little bursts of BBQ chicken? Absolute perfection.

Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

After making this dish more times than I can count, here are my can’t-live-without secrets: First, always shred your own cheese – pre-shredded won’t melt as creamy. Second, save a cup of pasta water – it’s magic for adjusting sauce thickness. And for maximum smokiness? Toss in a handful of smoked gouda with the cheddar. Oh! And taste your BBQ sauce first – if it’s sweet, balance with a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Serving Suggestions

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is heavenly on its own, but for the ultimate comfort meal, try pairing it with buttery garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. A crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw cuts through the richness perfectly – my family loves the contrast of cool, crunchy veggies with the warm, cheesy pasta!

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers? (Lucky you!) Store this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and warm it gently over low heat or in the microwave at 50% power, stirring often to keep it creamy. The sauce might thicken when cold – that’s normal! Just stir in that extra milk until it’s back to its luscious, velvety texture.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut for this recipe. Just shred it and toss with BBQ sauce – no extra cooking needed. It saves so much time!

How can I make it spicier? Two easy ways: Use a spicy BBQ sauce, or add 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder to the cheese sauce. My brother always throws in some diced jalapeños too!

Can I prepare this ahead? You sure can! Make the components separately, then combine and bake right before serving. The flavors actually get better as they mingle!

What pasta shapes work best? Elbows are classic, but any short pasta like shells or cavatappi catches the sauce beautifully. Just avoid long noodles – they don’t mix as well.

Nutritional Information

Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating (values per serving): 450 calories, 18g fat, 45g carbs, 25g protein. Remember – these are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands used. Enjoy every cheesy bite!