Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe: A Sizzling Comfort Classic

Creamy mac and bbq chicken promises a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

Smoky barbecue notes weave through silky cheese sauce, creating an irresistible comfort food mashup.

Tender chicken pieces nestled amid perfectly cooked pasta deliver serious satisfaction.

Bold spices and melted cheese create a hearty dish that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just got a major upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Each forkful blends tangy, rich ingredients into a symphony of deliciousness.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this ultimate comfort meal that brings together two classic favorites.

BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese That Combines Two Favorites

• Quick Comfort Meal: Crafts delicious mac and cheese with a tangy BBQ twist in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Combines kid-favorite mac and cheese with smoky BBQ chicken, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a satisfying meal.
• Cheesy Flavor Adventure: Blends three different cheeses (cheddar, mozzarella, gouda) with BBQ sauce, creating a rich, complex taste profile that elevates classic comfort food.
• Versatile One-Pot Wonder: Easy to prepare with minimal kitchen cleanup, making it an ideal recipe for home cooks seeking convenience without sacrificing flavor.

BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Essentials

Main Ingredients:

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp flavor that provides rich, tangy cheese base.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Adds smooth, stretchy texture to the mac and cheese.
• Gouda Cheese: Provides deep, smoky undertone to the cheese blend.

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and pairs well with BBQ sauce.

• BBQ Sauce: Adds sweet, tangy flavor that complements the chicken and cheese.
• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the cheese sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Milk: Provides creamy liquid base for the cheese sauce.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Provides aromatic and savory background flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky complexity to match the BBQ theme.
• Green Onions: Fresh, bright garnish that adds color and mild onion flavor.

Method for BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook macaroni in salted water until perfectly tender.

Drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Create Creamy Cheese Base

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for one minute until the mixture turns golden and develops a nutty aroma.

Step 3: Build Smooth Sauce

Gradually pour milk into the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Simmer the sauce for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Blend Cheese Goodness

• Cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Gouda

Stir until the cheeses completely melt and create a silky smooth sauce.

Step 5: Season the Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Step 6: Prepare BBQ Chicken

Shred chicken and toss with tangy BBQ sauce until each piece is well-coated.

Step 7: Combine All Elements

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

Gently mix in the BBQ-glazed chicken until everything is beautifully integrated.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving dishes.

Drizzle with additional BBQ sauce and sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh, zesty finish.

BBQ Mac Tips With Chicken Baked Right

• Cook macaroni exactly to al dente stage to prevent mushy texture and ensure optimal cheese sauce coating.
• Use low heat when adding cheese to prevent breaking or becoming grainy, creating a silky smooth sauce.
• Toss chicken in BBQ sauce separately to ensure even distribution and maximize smoky, tangy taste throughout the dish.
• Whisk milk slowly and steadily into roux to prevent lumps and achieve a perfectly smooth, creamy base.
• Swap chicken with pulled pork or tofu for alternative protein options that maintain the recipe's delicious BBQ profile.

BBQ Mac Reheated With Melty Cheese Return

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the mac and cheese fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pack the cooled dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Gently warm the mac and cheese in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
• Reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating and maintain the sauce's smoothness.

Filling Add-Ons For BBQ Mac

• Pair with Tangy Slaw: Lighten the rich mac and cheese with a crisp, vinegar-based coleslaw that cuts through the creamy cheese and adds refreshing crunch.
• Complement with Amber Ale: Choose a medium-bodied amber ale with caramel notes that harmonizes perfectly with the smoky BBQ chicken and creamy cheese sauce.
• Serve with Buttermilk Biscuits: Soft, flaky buttermilk biscuits provide the ideal vehicle for soaking up extra BBQ sauce and cheese, creating a complete comfort food experience.
• Balance with Pickled Jalapeños: Sprinkle zesty pickled jalapeños on top to add a spicy kick that contrasts the creamy mac and cheese and enhances the BBQ flavor profile.

BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Spins

• Vegetarian Veggie Mac: Replace chicken with roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and corn. Use plant-based cheese alternatives and swap BBQ sauce for smoky vegetable marinade.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Option: Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Use cornstarch instead of flour for roux and ensure all cheese and BBQ sauce are gluten-free certified.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and mix in chipotle BBQ sauce. Top with crispy tortilla strips for extra crunch.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace macaroni with roasted cauliflower florets. Use heavy cream instead of milk and reduce total carbohydrate content while maintaining rich, creamy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap cheeses based on your preference. Cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda work well, but you can experiment with monterey jack, provolone, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.

• How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Melt cheese slowly over low heat and stir constantly. Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese, and add cheese gradually while stirring to ensure a smooth, creamy texture.

• What kind of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Choose a balanced BBQ sauce that’s not too sweet or too spicy. Kansas City-style or classic tomato-based BBQ sauces are excellent choices that complement the cheese and chicken perfectly.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese in advance. Store the cheese sauce and cooked chicken separately in the refrigerator, then combine and reheat gently when ready to serve, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets sizzle in this bbq chicken mac & cheese fusion, blending smoky grilled chicken with creamy pasta perfection. Rich, cheesy goodness brings Southern charm to your dinner table, promising a deliciously satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus extra for drizzling)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare macaroni by boiling in salted water until perfectly tender, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Create a roux in a spacious cooking vessel by melting butter and incorporating flour, stirring continuously until achieving a golden, fragrant consistency.
3. Gradually introduce milk to the roux, whisking methodically to prevent lumps and create a silky, smooth base that gently thickens over low heat.
4. Lower temperature and incorporate cheddar, mozzarella, and gouda cheeses, stirring until completely melted and forming a luxurious, creamy sauce.
5. Enhance the cheese sauce with a balanced blend of salt, freshly ground pepper, aromatic garlic powder, and smoky paprika for depth of flavor.
6. Separately prepare the protein by coating shredded chicken generously with tangy BBQ sauce, ensuring each strand is well-glazed.
7. Merge the velvety cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, creating a harmonious mixture that coats each pasta curve.
8. Delicately fold the BBQ-glazed chicken into the mac and cheese, distributing the meat evenly throughout the dish.
9. Present the mac and cheese hot, embellishing with an additional drizzle of BBQ sauce and a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Enhance cheese sauce texture by gradually adding cheese at low temperature to prevent graininess and ensure silky smoothness.
• Customize BBQ chicken flavor by trying different regional BBQ sauces like Carolina vinegar-based or Kansas City sweet styles for unique taste profiles.
• Make dish gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta.
• Balance smoky BBQ chicken with sharp cheddar cheese to create deeper, more complex flavor dimensions in the mac and cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg