When comfort food calls, I always think of this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. It’s one of those chicken recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. The creamy pasta, the smoky barbecue sauce, and the tender chicken all come together in a dish that makes you want to grab a bigger spoon than usual. I grew up thinking mac and cheese was the ultimate food, and honestly, it still is. But add some juicy chicken and tangy BBQ flavor, and suddenly, you’ve got a mac and cheese recipe that’s in a league of its own. I’ve tried a lot of Chicken And Cheese Recipes over the years, but this one is the kind that keeps people hanging around the kitchen, waiting for seconds. If you’re the kind of person who’s ever dreamed about a mac and cheese pizza recipe, this comes close—it’s cheesy, smoky, and filling in all the right ways. Think of it as the cousin of a broccoli mac and cheese recipe or those fun mac and cheese balls recipe we all love to snack on. And yes, it’s quick too—making it one of my go-to fast mac and cheese recipe ideas when I don’t want to fuss but still want something downright delicious.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
3) Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
4) How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
5) Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
6) Making BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese blends creamy pasta with smoky chicken flavor.
It’s simple to prepare, making it one of those reliable chicken recipes you’ll keep close.
You can bake it with a breadcrumb topping or enjoy it straight from the stovetop.
It reheats well and works great for meal prep or family dinners.

2) Easy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Every time I crave comfort food, this recipe is at the top of my list. It feels indulgent but comes together with pantry staples. Macaroni, cheese, barbecue sauce, and chicken—what’s not to love? It’s one of those chicken recipes that never fails to make people smile.

I often think of it as the grown-up cousin of the boxed mac and cheese recipe we all knew as kids. The barbecue sauce adds depth and sweetness, while the chicken turns it into a proper meal. When I make this dish, the kitchen fills with an aroma that makes everyone hover around, waiting for it to be ready.

We all love recipes that don’t take hours yet taste like they did. That’s exactly what this one delivers. Easy steps, bold flavors, and a payoff that makes you wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

3) Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the backbone of this recipe. I often use leftover rotisserie chicken, but any cooked chicken works well.

Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is traditional. Its curved shape traps the creamy sauce, making each bite satisfying.

Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar melts smoothly and gives a rich flavor. I like grating it fresh because it melts better than pre-shredded bags.

Mozzarella Cheese: This cheese stretches beautifully, adding that gooey pull when you scoop into the dish.

Parmesan Cheese: A small amount of Parmesan sharpens the flavor and balances the creaminess.

Milk: Whole milk makes the sauce rich without being heavy. It forms the base of the cheese sauce.

Butter and Flour: Together, they create a roux that thickens the sauce. It’s simple but makes all the difference in getting that creamy texture.

BBQ Sauce: The smoky, sweet sauce ties everything together. I choose one with a balance of tang and sweetness.

Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These simple seasonings lift the entire dish.

Breadcrumbs: Optional, but if you want a crunchy top layer, toasted breadcrumbs bring texture that pairs well with the soft pasta.

4) How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1. Cook the macaroni until just al dente. You want it firm enough to hold its shape after baking. Drain and set aside.

Step 2. Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour. Cook for a minute until it smells nutty. This creates the roux that thickens the sauce.

Step 3. Slowly whisk in milk. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until thickened and smooth.

Step 4. Stir in the cheeses until they melt into a creamy sauce. Add spices to taste. The kitchen already smells like comfort.

Step 5. Fold in the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce. Mix until every piece is coated in cheesy, smoky goodness.

Step 6. Transfer to a baking dish. If using breadcrumbs, toast them lightly in olive oil first, then sprinkle on top.

Step 7. Bake at 375°F until bubbly and golden, about 20 minutes. When you pull it from the oven, the edges should be crisp, and the center creamy.

5) Tips for Making BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

One tip I always share is to undercook the pasta slightly. It finishes cooking in the oven, so don’t worry if it tastes firm after boiling. Another is to use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded has a coating that prevents it from melting smoothly.

I like experimenting with barbecue sauces. Some are sweet, some spicy, some smoky. The sauce you choose changes the flavor in a big way, so find one you enjoy. And don’t forget the spices—they may seem minor, but they balance the richness.

If you’re cooking for kids, go light on the smoked paprika. For adults, add more for depth. That’s the beauty of recipes like this—you can adapt them to your taste and still get a perfect plate every time.

6) Making BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time

Sometimes I prepare this dish earlier in the day. I cook the pasta, make the sauce, mix everything, and then refrigerate it. When dinner rolls around, I just pop it in the oven. It may need an extra 10 minutes to heat through, but the taste is the same.

If you want to save time, shred the chicken and grate the cheeses ahead. Store them in containers so everything’s ready when you start. The assembly then becomes quick, almost effortless.

This make-ahead method works well if you’re serving guests. You can do most of the work hours before and still serve a fresh, hot meal that looks like you spent all evening on it.

7) Storing Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Leftovers don’t last long in my fridge, but when they do, I store them in an airtight container. They stay good for three to four days. When reheating, I cover the dish with foil and bake at a lower temperature so it warms evenly without drying out.

If I’m in a rush, the microwave works, but I like to splash in a spoon of milk to keep it creamy. It helps the sauce loosen up again.

For longer storage, you can freeze portions. Wrap them tightly, then thaw in the fridge before reheating. It’s handy for nights when cooking feels like too much effort but comfort food sounds perfect.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese