BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese 🍗🧀🔥
Smoky, cheesy, and oh-so-creamy — this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is comfort food at its absolute best! 💛 Tender pasta is tossed in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with juicy BBQ chicken, and baked to bubbly perfection. It’s the perfect balance of sweet, smoky BBQ flavors and classic macaroni and cheese goodness. Ideal for family dinners, game nights, or potluck parties, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds!
⏱️ Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6–8
Ingredients:
For the Mac & Cheese Base:
1 lb elbow macaroni (or cavatappi)
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk, warmed
1 cup heavy cream
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best)
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the BBQ Chicken:
2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
½–¾ cup BBQ sauce (sweet or smoky, your choice)
For the Topping:
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just al dente (it will cook more in the oven). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the cheese sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream, stirring until smooth and thickened (about 5–7 minutes). Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Prepare the chicken:
In a separate bowl, toss shredded or diced chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
4. Combine:
Add drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Pour half of the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Layer with BBQ chicken, then top with remaining mac and cheese. Swirl a little extra BBQ sauce on top if desired.
5. Add the topping:
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
6. Bake:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Serve & enjoy:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Pair with a crisp salad or cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Tips & Variations:
✅ Use smoked gouda or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
✅ Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
✅ Make it spicy with jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
✅ Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days — reheats beautifully.