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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe | Chicken Recipes

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.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli mac and cheese recipe, Chicken And Cheese Recipes, chicken recipes, fast mac and cheese recipe, mac and cheese balls recipe, mac and cheese pizza recipe, mac and cheese recipe
Servings: 6 servings
Author: Lila

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (if toasting breadcrumbs)

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth and thickened. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
  5. Fold in the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce until everything is well coated.
  6. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. If using breadcrumbs, toast them in olive oil and sprinkle on top.
  7. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
  8. Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy, smoky goodness.