Print

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Print Recipe

A quick and cheesy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combining creamy macaroni and cheese with tender, flavorful BBQ chicken. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot meal delivers smoky, tangy, and comforting flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Chicken

  • 2 cooked chicken breasts or thighs, shredded

Sauce

  • 1 cup barbecue sauce (use your favorite brand or homemade)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside without rinsing to retain the starch for a creamier sauce.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: If not pre-cooked, season chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper and either sauté or bake until cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks for bite-sized pieces that soak up the BBQ sauce flavor well.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid lumps and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add Cheese and BBQ Sauce: Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Stir in barbecue sauce, adjusting the amount to your preferred tanginess. Fold in shredded chicken and cooked pasta, mixing evenly.
  5. Final Touches: Warm the combined mac and cheese mixture gently until heated through. Optionally, transfer to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, bubbly top. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bold, smooth melt.
  • Don’t skip making the roux; it ensures a thick, creamy sauce that clings well to pasta.
  • Choose a quality barbecue sauce that’s well-balanced—not too sweet or tangy—for the best flavor.
  • Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness as it will absorb sauce during warming.
  • Gently fold ingredients to keep the sauce creamy and chicken pieces intact.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, smoky flavor, family-friendly, one-pot meal

Find it online: https://withnora.com/bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese/