Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Smoky & Savory Fusion: The BBQ chicken adds a tangy, smoky twist to classic mac and cheese, giving each bite extra depth.
Comfort Food with Protein: You get all the creamy, cheesy satisfaction of mac and cheese, plus the heartiness of chicken.
Quick & Simple: From start to finish in about 25–30 minutes, this is manageable even on busy evenings.
Customizable: You can tweak the BBQ sauce, spice level, or cheese types to your liking.
Crowd Favorite: It’s satisfying, flavorful, and great for serving family or friends—many will be asking for seconds.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Olive oil
Pasta (elbow macaroni or any short pasta)
Cheddar cheese, shredded
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Milk
BBQ sauce
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Smoked paprika
Salt
Pepper
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken about 6–7 minutes per side (or until fully cooked). Remove and shred the chicken using two forks.
Season chicken with BBQ. Return shredded chicken to the skillet, stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until the chicken is well coated.
Make the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk. Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine. Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring to coat. Fold in the BBQ-coated chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.
Adjust & serve. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, with an optional drizzle of extra BBQ sauce or a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.

Servings and timing

Yield: 4 servings
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~15 minutes
Total time: ~25 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to speed up the process.
Swap the cheese: Try gouda, pepper jack, or smoked cheese for a twist.
Add heat: Incorporate hot sauce, crushed red pepper, or sliced jalapeños.
Make vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables (like roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini) or use a plant-based meat substitute.
Bacon boost: Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Once cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to help restore creaminess. In the oven, warm at low temperature (about 160–170 °C / 325 °F) until heated through.

FAQs

What kind of pasta works best?

Any short pasta shape works well—elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, or shells are all good choices.

Can I use a different cheese combination?

Yes. You can substitute or mix in cheeses like gouda, pepper jack, or smoked cheddar to change the flavor profile.

Is it possible to make this ahead of time?

You can prepare components (cook pasta, shred chicken, make sauce), refrigerate separately, and assemble just before reheating and serving.

How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can this dish be frozen?

Yes. After cooling, freeze in a suitable container for up to 3 months.

How do I reheat without drying it out?

Use low heat on the stove with a bit of milk added. In the oven, warm slowly at a moderate temperature until heated through.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Certainly—add hot sauce, red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of cayenne.

Can I use a different BBQ sauce?

Definitely. Use whatever BBQ sauce you prefer—sweet, smoky, tangy, or spicy.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double it easily for a larger crowd or for meal prep.

What sides go well with this dish?

It pairs nicely with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness.

Conclusion

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious mash-up of two comfort food favorites, bringing together smoky barbecue, tender chicken, and creamy cheese in every bite. It’s quick enough for weeknights, customizable to your taste, and satisfying for any gathering. Try it once and it may quickly become a go-to favorite for busy evenings or crowd-pleasing dinners.