Deliciously Cheesy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese You’ll Crave!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese cravings hit hard sometimes, right? You’re hungry, nothing sounds good, and then you start dreaming about all that creamy cheese and tangy BBQ chicken wrapped up with noodles. I get it. There’s nothing worse than a bland dinner after a long day, which is where this dish swoops in and saves the night. If you’ve ever wished your comfort food went up a notch, well, this will do it (sorta like the time I tried BBQ pulled chicken stuffed peppers and realized peppers are just edible bowls). Oh! By the way, if you need quick meal ideas for busy nights, check out my favorite easy weeknight casseroles, too.

Why Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

I’ll put it simply, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is not your regular mac. This is the kind of dinner that makes people ask for seconds before they’ve finished their first bowl. A big part of it is the combo. Sweet, smoky BBQ sauce meets gooey cheese. Toss in some chicken for that protein punch—you’re winning.

People have said (more than once, I might add) this dish tastes like it’s from a five-star restaurant. And for real, even picky eaters in my house inhale it.

You’ll hardly ever end up with leftovers. Plus, it’s all pretty budget-friendly, which—let’s be honest—matters just as much as flavor half the time.

Oh, and the best part: it works for potlucks, game day, or just when you want to treat yourself.

I make this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for my family’s Sunday dinner, and there’s never a single bite left. My kid asks for it every week! —Tina H.

Ingredient Notes

Look, you don’t have to break the bank for this. Most of what you need is probably in your fridge or pantry.

So, here’s what you’ll want to grab:

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni’s a classic, but honestly, any short noodle works.
• Chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken’s perfect for quick meals. If you’ve got grilled chicken, use that.
• BBQ sauce: Get your favorite. I’m partial to hickory-flavored, but sweet works too.
• Cheese: Cheddar’s the move. Go sharp for big flavor, or mild if that’s more your style. Add a handful of mozzarella for that stretchy cheese pull.
• Milk and butter: You want creamy mac, right? Don’t skimp here.
• Salt, pepper, and a dash of smoked paprika— if you’re wild like that.

That’s it. No fancy stuff. Simple but amazing, I promise.

Recipe Variations

Here’s the fun part— you can riff on BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese if you feel like shaking things up. Want it spicy? Toss in some diced jalapeños or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo (stir-fry it for extra kick, my cousin says). Veggies like roasted corn or bell peppers give color and crunch. Or, sometimes I swap chicken for pulled pork if I’ve got leftovers from a slow cooker BBQ dinner.

My vegetarian friend once swapped the chicken for seared tofu and, no joke, I stole her leftovers. That’s how good it was.

For a pantry version, use canned chicken and boxed pasta. Not as dreamy as homemade, but your taste buds won’t be mad.

Add a crunchy topping (like crispy fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs) for extra wow factor. I do that if I’m feeling fancy—honestly, it’s worth the two extra minutes.

Steps To Make this Recipe

Let’s keep this painless. Don’t overthink it, just follow these steps and you’ll have BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that’ll bring people running.

1. Boil your pasta according to the box, but pull it off the heat while it’s still a little chewy.
2. In a pan, melt some butter on medium. Toss in your shredded chicken and a generous pour of BBQ sauce. Let it bubble gently so the chicken soaks up all that smokiness.
3. Lower the heat and start tossing in cheese by the handful. Add a splash of milk so it all melts creamy and smooth. Don’t rush this part (trust me, lumpy cheese is a tragedy).
4. Fold in your pasta. Give it a big stir. At this point, everything should be coated and glossy.
5. Taste, then add salt, pepper, and maybe more cheese (there’s never too much).
6. Spoon into bowls, top with a sprinkle of extra BBQ sauce or green onion, if that’s your vibe.

Like I said, easy. Messy, in the best way.

Ingredient	What It Does	Tip
Pasta	Base of the dish, holds everything together.	Don’t overcook it, you want it al dente.
Chicken	Adds protein and heartiness.	Leftover rotisserie chicken works great!
BBQ Sauce	Provides flavor and tang.	Choose your favorite—smoky or sweet.
Cheese	Makes it creamy and delicious.	Mix sharp cheddar for flavor and mozzarella for stretch.
Milk and Butter	Enhances creaminess.	Use whole milk for the best results.

What To Serve With BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Honestly, this dish kinda steals the spotlight. But if you want to make it a feast, here’s a few things that pair up beautifully:

• Garlic bread—because sopping up extra sauce is non-negotiable where I’m from.
• Crisp green salad—yeah, it sounds boring, but trust me, you’ll be glad for something fresh alongside all that creamy richness.
• Dill pickles or coleslaw—for the BBQ vibe, nothing else comes close.
• Corn on the cob—chargrilled if possible!

Whenever we bust this out at parties, it’s a hit with potato salad and lemonade, too.

Common Questions

Can I use store-bought BBQ chicken?
Of course! Shortcut heaven. Shred it up, toss it in.

Do I have to bake this?
Nope, it’s totally good on the stove. If you want a crunchy top, pop it under the broiler for a few minutes.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Sure, just keep the pasta and sauce separate until ready to heat and serve. That way, no mushy noodles.

Is this freezable?
It’s okay from the freezer—wrap it well and reheat slowly, so it stays creamy.

Can I double it for a crowd?
Yes! Just use a bigger pot. But… you might wanna make triple because people always get seconds.

This Is Your New Weeknight Hero

Now you know why BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese needs to hit your dinner table soon. It’s easy, super satisfying, and totally customizable (use up what’s in your fridge, trust your gut). You get comfort food with a twist, all on one plate. Hungry for more creative ideas? Check out the ultimate comfort food recipes for your next dinner fix. Promise, you’ll be the dinner hero. See you in the kitchen!

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