BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate mashup of two comfort food classics. Creamy, smoky, and loaded with protein from the tender chicken, it is perfect for busy nights or when you just want something gooey and satisfying. Toss in your favorite BBQ sauce and a heap of melty cheese and you have the perfect weeknight dinner or meal prep hero.

I whipped this up the first time after a backyard barbecue ended with tons of leftover chicken and now it is my go to comfort fix that never fails to please.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast cooked and shredded: It gives lean protein and a hearty bite I like rotisserie for speed
• Olive oil: It helps bring out flavor and keeps chicken juicy Choose extra virgin for best taste
• Elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta: The base so classic macaroni always works but shells hold more cheese
• Shredded cheddar cheese: It brings sharpness to the cheese sauce Go for block cheese and shred it yourself
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds stretch and melt Factor whole milk mozz for creaminess
• Milk preferably low fat: Makes the sauce silky Choose fresh milk for the brightest flavor
• BBQ sauce: Any brand works but homemade or a smoky variety makes the dish pop
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth Look for fine powder without additives
• Onion powder: Gives sweetness and round flavor Try to find it fresh for potency
• Smoked paprika: Brings gentle heat and an irresistible smoky touch Use authentic Spanish paprika for intensity
• Salt and pepper: Rounds everything out Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper if possible
• Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh finish Go for bright green leaves and chop just before serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook Pasta:

Boil a large pot of salted water and add your macaroni Stir occasionally and cook until just al dente about eight to ten minutes Drain well and set aside so it does not get mushy

Warm Chicken:

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat Add your cooked shredded chicken Stir and let it heat two to three minutes until fully warmed through This step gives the chicken some extra tenderness and flavor

Add Seasonings and BBQ Sauce:

Add BBQ sauce garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika and a pinch of salt and pepper Stir until every piece of chicken is thoroughly coated with the smoky sauce Let it sit on medium low so flavors meld

Make Cheese Sauce:

In a clean saucepan over medium heat add your milk Stir as it warms but do not boil Slowly add shredded cheddar and mozzarella Stir constantly until melted and you have a thick silky cheese sauce

Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

Pour your drained macaroni into the cheese sauce Stir well until each noodle is evenly coated with cheesy goodness Patience here pays off for a super creamy result

Fold in BBQ Chicken Mixture:

Add the BBQ coated chicken mixture into the mac and cheese Use a big spoon to gently combine so everything is hot cheesy and perfectly blended

Final Season and Serve:

Taste and add more salt or pepper if you want Spoon into bowls and top with fresh parsley if you use it Serve immediately for that gooey melty magic

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My favorite part is how the smoked paprika brings a BBQ feel even on rainy days When I served this at a family get together my niece declared it better than any restaurant mac and cheese I think it might be the only way she likes chicken

Storage Tips

Cool leftovers quickly and place in an airtight container Store in the fridge up to three days or freeze for a month Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap rotisserie or leftover chicken for fast prep Gluten free pasta works with no need to change the rest of the recipe For extra zing use pepper jack cheese or toss in cooked bacon or green onions

Serving Suggestions

Spoon into bowls with extra BBQ drizzle and top with pickled jalapenos for heat Pair with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables for a full meal Serve as a crowd pleasing side at any potluck

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Commonly Asked Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it before adding to the BBQ mixture.

→ What cheese blends work best?

Cheddar and mozzarella offer a creamy melt and mild flavor, but you can experiment with gouda or pepper jack for a twist.

→ Can I substitute other pasta shapes?

Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, rotini, or penne also hold up well in the sauce.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

→ What sides pair well with this meal?

Fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or cornbread make excellent companions to this hearty main dish.

→ Is there a way to add more flavor?

Add crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or a dash of hot sauce for extra layers of taste and texture.