Go Back
For BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, you will need: - 8 oz elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice) - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a creamy, savory treat that warms your soul. You can enhance the dish with these additions: - Cooked bacon, chopped - Green onions, sliced - Jalapeños, diced for heat - Extra cheese varieties like gouda or pepper jack These options let you customize the flavor to your taste. If you lack some ingredients, try these substitutes: - Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or turkey - BBQ sauce: Substitute with hot sauce or teriyaki sauce - Milk: Swap with almond milk or cream for richness - Cheese: Use any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or Gruyère These substitutes can make the dish easier to prepare while still keeping it delicious. First, grab a large pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of elbow macaroni. Cook it until it's al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. Check the package for timing. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, take a medium saucepan. Put it on medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt completely. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Stir this for about one minute until it turns golden. Now, slowly add 2 cups of milk while whisking. This helps to avoid lumps. Keep cooking this mixture until it thickens, which takes about 4-5 minutes. Once thick, remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Finish with salt and pepper to taste. Now, let's bring it all together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, 2 cups of shredded chicken, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Pour in your creamy cheese sauce and stir until everything is well coated. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it evenly. If you want a cheesier top, sprinkle some extra cheese on top. Bake this in the oven for about 20-25 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and golden brown. Once done, take it out and let it cool slightly. For a fresh touch, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top before serving. Enjoy your BBQ chicken mac and cheese! To make a creamy cheese sauce, start with cold milk. Gradually add the milk to the melted butter and flour. Whisk well to avoid lumps. Cook it until it thickens, then remove it from heat. Stir in the cheeses until they melt completely. Use sharp cheddar for a strong flavor. A mix of cheeses makes the sauce rich. Pick a BBQ sauce that you love. Sweet, tangy, or spicy all work well. Look for sauces with natural ingredients. You can even make your own! Combine ketchup, vinegar, and spices to create a unique blend. Taste it before adding to your dish. Adjust it to suit your taste buds. Serve BBQ chicken mac and cheese hot from the oven. Pair it with a fresh salad for crunch. You can add extra cheese on top for more flavor. Chopped parsley adds a nice green touch. Feel free to drizzle more BBQ sauce before serving. For a kick, try adding jalapeños or hot sauce. Enjoy this comfort food with family and friends! {{image_2}} You can easily make BBQ mac and cheese without chicken. Replace the chicken with veggies. Use mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for a hearty bite. Cook these veggies until soft, then toss them into the cheese sauce. This keeps the dish tasty and filling. You can even add some black beans for protein and fiber. Use your favorite BBQ sauce to keep the flavors bold and fun. If you love heat, try adding spicy elements. Mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes. This amps up the flavor and gives a nice kick. You can also use a spicy BBQ sauce to bring even more heat. For extra depth, add pepper jack cheese along with the cheddar. This will give you that creamy texture but with a spicy twist. Want to make this dish gluten-free? Swap out regular elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Ensure your BBQ sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free, too. You can also thicken your cheese sauce with cornstarch instead of flour. This way, you can enjoy BBQ chicken mac and cheese without worries. To store leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, first cool it down. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track freshness. Reheating is easy! You can use the oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes. Check that it’s warm all through. For the microwave, put it in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in one-minute bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If you want to freeze it, do so before baking. Pack it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, bake it as per the original recipe instructions. Enjoy your tasty meal! Yes, you can use many types of pasta. I often use penne or shells. These shapes hold the cheese sauce well. You can also try gluten-free pasta if needed. Just remember to cook it al dente for the best texture. You can prepare the dish in advance. Cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce earlier. Mix everything together, but do not bake it yet. Cover it well and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, bake it at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes. This way, you save time and enjoy a hot meal. Pair this dish with simple sides. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. Grilled veggies complement the flavors too. Cornbread or garlic bread works well for a cozy meal. You can also serve coleslaw for some extra crunch and tang. In this post, we covered key ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, along with step-by-step cooking instructions. We shared tips for making the perfect cheese sauce and offered serving ideas. You learned about variations like vegetarian and gluten-free options and how to store leftovers for later. Explore this dish to find your unique twist. Making BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese can be fun, tasty, and easy. Enjoy creating a meal that brings smiles to your table!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Dive into the delicious world of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, a perfect comfort food that combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty BBQ sauce! This easy recipe is a crowd-pleaser and an ideal dish for potlucks or family dinners. With step-by-step instructions, you'll have this cheesy masterpiece ready in just 45 minutes. Click through to explore this mouthwatering recipe and impress your loved ones with your culinary skills!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until golden.

      Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

        Incorporate the Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until smooth and creamy. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the cheese sauce, adjusting seasoning to taste.

          Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.

            Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top for a cheesier crust.

              Cook: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

                Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool slightly, then top with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6-8