Name: Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1 cup milk (low-fat preferred); 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese is not just a dish; it’s a culinary experience that brings together the best of two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible masterpiece. Imagine the creamy, dreamy texture of classic macaroni and cheese meeting the smoky, tangy zest of perfectly cooked barbecue chicken. This innovative fusion elevates a simple meal to something truly extraordinary, promising a symphony of flavors that will delight your palate and warm your soul. I am absolutely thrilled to guide you through crafting this ultimate comfort food.

While mac and cheese boasts a rich history as an iconic American comfort dish, and barbecue chicken has long been a staple of backyard gatherings and joyous celebrations, their brilliant combination represents a modern culinary triumph. People adore this dish for its incredible depth of flavor – the sharp cheddar melds beautifully with the sweet and savory notes of the BBQ sauce, while the tender chicken adds a satisfying bite. Its unique appeal lies in this harmonious blend, offering a delightful balance of creamy, smoky, and cheesy goodness that’s perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner to a festive potluck.

You’ll discover why this particular recipe for Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese quickly becomes a household favorite. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to savor a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new, guaranteed to garner rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Let’s dive into creating this spectacular dish!

Ingredients:

1 pound elbow macaroni or other small pasta shape: I find that classic elbow macaroni is perfect for this dish, as it holds the creamy cheese sauce beautifully and gets into every nook and cranny. However, feel free to use cavatappi, shells, or even penne if those are your favorites. Just ensure it’s a shape that can really cradle that cheesy goodness!
2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking the chicken and adding a touch of richness.
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: I often use chicken breasts for a leaner option, but thighs will give you a more tender and flavorful result, especially when shredded. This is the star of our Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese, so choose wisely based on your preference!
1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce: This is where you can truly customize the flavor profile of your Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese. Whether you prefer a smoky, sweet, tangy, or spicy BBQ sauce, choose one you absolutely adore. We’ll be coating our shredded chicken in it, so it needs to pack a punch!
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter: This is the foundation of our glorious cheese sauce, contributing richness and helping to create that velvety texture.
½ cup all-purpose flour: Our thickening agent! This will create a roux with the butter, which is essential for a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
5 cups whole milk, warmed: I always recommend warming the milk slightly before adding it to the roux. It helps prevent lumps and allows the sauce to come together more smoothly. Whole milk will give you the creamiest, most decadent sauce, but 2% can work in a pinch.
1 teaspoon salt: For seasoning the cheese sauce. We’ll adjust more later, but this is a good starting point.
½ teaspoon black pepper: To complement the salt and add a touch of warmth.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: This is my secret weapon for enhancing the smoky notes of the BBQ chicken and adding depth to the cheese sauce.
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): If you like a little kick, a dash of cayenne will elevate the flavor profile of your Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese without overpowering it.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Don’t skip this! While you won’t taste a strong mustard flavor, it’s a brilliant emulsifier and really brightens up the cheese sauce, making the cheese taste even cheesier.
4 cups (about 1 pound) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded: Please, please, please shred your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty and less smooth. Sharp cheddar offers that classic, robust cheesy flavor we crave in a mac and cheese.
2 cups (about ½ pound) Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese, freshly shredded: I love to blend cheeses for complexity. Gruyère adds a nutty, earthy note and melts beautifully. Monterey Jack offers incredible meltability and a milder flavor, allowing the cheddar to shine while still contributing to the overall creaminess of your Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping, optional): For that irresistible crispy topping. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping, optional): To toss with the panko breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy crust.

Preparing the BBQ Chicken

Cook the Chicken: My preferred method for this Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese is to bake the chicken breasts or thighs. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking dish with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the chicken generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in the prepared dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. If you’re using thicker pieces, it might take a bit longer. Make sure your chicken is fully cooked through before proceeding. Alternatively, you could poach the chicken: place it in a pot, cover with water or chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook gently for about 15-20 minutes until cooked through. If you’re short on time, a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is a fantastic shortcut! Just shred it up and skip directly to the next step.
Shred the Chicken: Once your chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven (or pot) and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for juicy chicken, allowing the juices to redistribute. After resting, transfer the chicken to a large bowl. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You want a good mix of smaller and slightly larger shreds for texture in your Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese. If the chicken is very hot, you can also use clean kitchen gloves to shred it by hand – it’s often quicker!
Toss with BBQ Sauce: Pour 1 cup of your chosen BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken in the bowl. Toss thoroughly until every piece of chicken is beautifully coated. This step is vital for infusing that delicious BBQ flavor into every bite of your mac and cheese. Set this saucy chicken aside; it’s ready to be layered into our amazing dish.

Making the Macaroni and Cheese

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pound of elbow macaroni (or chosen pasta shape) and cook according to package directions, but aim for al dente – meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. We don’t want mushy pasta, especially since it will finish cooking in the oven. For most elbow macaroni, this is usually 6-8 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Do not rinse the pasta! The starches on the surface help the cheese sauce cling beautifully.
Prepare the Roux: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (the same one you might use for your soup, for example) over medium heat, melt the 8 tablespoons (1 stick) of unsalted butter. Once the butter is fully melted and slightly foamy, sprinkle in the ½ cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth paste-like consistency, and it should turn a light golden color, smelling slightly nutty. This cooking time is important to cook out the raw flour taste, which can otherwise make your cheese sauce taste pasty. Keep whisking, don’t let it burn!
Gradually Add Warm Milk: Slowly, and I mean slowly, pour the warmed 5 cups of whole milk into the roux while continuously whisking. Start with about a cup of milk, whisking until it’s fully incorporated and smooth, then add another cup, and so on. This gradual addition, combined with continuous whisking, is the secret to a lump-free béchamel sauce. If you add it too quickly, you risk lumps. Once all the milk is incorporated, continue to whisk constantly for about 5-8 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken to the consistency of a thin gravy. It should coat the back of a spoon. Don’t rush this part; patience here leads to a silky smooth sauce.
Season the Béchamel: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using). Add the 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Whisk everything together until well combined. Give it a taste here to ensure the seasoning is balanced, keeping in mind that the cheese will add its own saltiness.
Melt the Cheese: Now for the best part! Add your freshly shredded cheddar, Gruyère (or Monterey Jack) cheeses to the warm béchamel sauce, a handful at a time. Stir continuously after each addition until the cheese is completely melted and smooth before adding more. Adding cheese gradually prevents it from clumping and ensures a silky, homogenous cheese sauce. This also helps to prevent the cheese from seizing up and becoming stringy. Continue stirring until you have a gloriously smooth, luscious, and thick cheese sauce. Taste again and adjust any seasoning if necessary. You might find it needs a tiny pinch more salt depending on the saltiness of your cheese.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained al dente pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce. Gently fold the pasta into the sauce until every piece is thoroughly coated in that rich, creamy cheese. This is your basic mac and cheese, already looking absolutely irresistible!

Assembling and Baking the Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese

Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent your delicious Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese from sticking to the bottom.
Layer the Dish:
- Spread half of the cheesy pasta mixture evenly into the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Next, carefully spread all of your saucy BBQ chicken over the layer of pasta. Distribute it as evenly as possible so you get chicken in every bite!
- Finally, spoon the remaining half of the cheesy pasta mixture over the BBQ chicken layer, spreading it gently to cover the chicken completely. Don’t press down too hard, we want a nice, bubbly texture.
Add the Optional Topping: If you’re going for that irresistible crispy topping (and I highly recommend it!), prepare it now. In a small bowl, combine the 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with the 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Toss until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery panko mixture generously over the top of your Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese. If you want even more cheesy goodness on top, you can sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses over the panko, or even without it. This layer will crisp up beautifully in the oven, adding a fantastic textural contrast to the creamy pasta and tender chicken.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly around the edges and the topping (if used) is golden brown and crispy. You want to see that lovely sizzle and a beautiful golden crust. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Rest and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese from the oven. Allow it to rest for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This resting period is crucial; it allows the sauce to set up slightly, making for cleaner scoops and preventing it from being too runny. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Serve warm and enjoy every single hearty, cheesy, smoky bite of this ultimate comfort food. This dish makes for a fantastic family meal or a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution!

Conclusion:

I truly believe that some recipes aren’t just meals; they’re experiences, moments of pure culinary joy that linger in your memory long after the last bite. And that, my friends, is precisely what I hope you’ll discover when you embark on the journey of creating this incredible dish. This isn’t just another dinner; it’s a celebration of comfort, a symphony of flavors, and a testament to how humble ingredients can be transformed into something truly extraordinary. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m genuinely excited for you to experience the magic it brings to your table.

Imagine sinking your teeth into tender, smoky chicken, bathed in a rich, tangy barbecue sauce, perfectly intertwined with incredibly creamy, decadent macaroni and cheese. It’s the kind of dish that speaks to the soul, offering a warm hug on a plate. The delightful contrast between the savory, slightly sweet barbecue chicken and the sharp, gooey cheese sauce creates an irresistible harmony that will have everyone asking for seconds. This isn’t just comfort food; it’s elevated, inspired comfort food that promises to be a showstopper. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for everything from a cozy family night in to a lively potluck with friends. I can promise you that the effort, which is surprisingly minimal for such a grand result, is entirely worth it for the incredible aroma that will fill your kitchen and the beaming smiles it will bring to those you share it with. If you’re looking for a recipe that combines familiar favorites into an unforgettable culinary masterpiece, then this is absolutely a must-try. The smoky notes of the BBQ, the luscious texture of the cheese, and the tender chicken all come together in a way that truly sets this particular Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese apart from any other version you might have encountered.

Serving Suggestions for the Ultimate Meal:

To truly complete this culinary experience, I have a few suggestions that will elevate your meal from fantastic to absolutely sublime. A crisp, refreshing coleslaw is a classic companion, offering a bright, tangy counterpoint to the richness of the mac and cheese. The crunch and acidity cut through the creamy sauce beautifully, creating a perfect balance. Another wonderful addition is a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette; it adds freshness and a touch of vibrancy to the plate. For those who love a bit more heartiness, a side of warm, buttery cornbread is an absolute dream – perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce! And for a truly epic spread, consider adding some baked beans, their sweet and smoky flavor complementing the chicken and cheese wonderfully. This dish is also fantastic on its own, of course, but these pairings truly make it an unforgettable feast. It’s the kind of meal that encourages lingering at the table, savoring every last bite and enjoying great conversation.

Get Creative with Variations!

While the recipe as written is perfection in my humble opinion, I always encourage you to make it your own! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect blend. A touch of smoked gouda can add an extra layer of depth, or a sharper cheddar can give it more bite. If you love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture. For the barbecue sauce itself, feel free to use your absolute favorite brand, or even try making your own if you’re feeling adventurous – a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce would be phenomenal! You could also experiment with different cuts of chicken, perhaps using shredded dark meat for even more succulence. For those who enjoy an extra smoky flavor, consider grilling or smoking your chicken breasts before shredding them. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability; it’s a fantastic canvas for your own culinary creativity.

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible recipe a try. I truly believe it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection, a go-to dish for those moments when you need something utterly satisfying and irresistibly delicious. Don’t be intimidated by the layers of flavor; each step is straightforward and incredibly rewarding. Once you’ve made it, please don’t keep the deliciousness a secret! I would absolutely love for you to share your experiences, your photos, and any creative twists you added in the comments below or on social media. There’s nothing I love more than seeing your creations and hearing how much you and your loved ones enjoyed the food I’ve shared. Your feedback truly inspires me! Thank you for joining me on this culinary adventure; I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious success. Happy cooking, everyone!