If you’re craving something that combines the creamy comfort of classic mac and cheese with a smoky, tangy punch, you’re in for a real treat. This recipe for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe brings together tender elbow macaroni, rich cheese sauce, and saucy shredded chicken in a way that feels both familiar and exciting. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it an ideal dish for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want to indulge in something incredibly satisfying. Trust me, once you’ve tried this, it’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is wonderfully straightforward, using simple, well-loved ingredients that each play a crucial role in making the dish irresistible. From hearty pasta to gooey cheese and smoky barbecue sauce, the components come together to create layers of flavor and rich texture.
- Elbow macaroni (1 pound): The perfect pasta shape for holding onto creamy cheese sauce and BBQ flavors.
- Cooked chicken, shredded (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for easy shredding and great taste.
- BBQ sauce (1 cup): Your favorite brand or homemade sauce adds sweet, tangy, smoky depth to the dish.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Key for creating a smooth roux and adding richness to the cheese sauce.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps thicken the cheese sauce to creamy perfection.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Choosing whole milk ensures a luscious and creamy sauce.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 cups): Adds bold, tangy cheesiness that’s classic mac and cheese magic.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Melts beautifully for stretch and creaminess.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the sauce with gentle garlicky warmth.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Boosts savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- Smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Introduces a subtle smoky hint that complements the BBQ chicken perfectly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings for balancing flavors.
- Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): Add a crispy, golden topping for contrast.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, if using breadcrumbs): Helps breadcrumbs crisp up nicely during baking.
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional): Fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—this seasons the pasta from the inside out. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until just al dente, usually about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water. This stops the cooking process so you don’t end up with mushy noodles, setting the stage for a perfect texture in your mac and cheese.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until it’s foamy and fragrant. Whisk in the flour to create a roux—a silky base that thickens your sauce. Cook this mixture for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s slightly golden and bubbling, which removes any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Keep cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 to 7 minutes, creating a luscious creaminess that’s the heart of this dish.
Step 3: Season and Add Cheese
Turn the heat down to low and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices add a warm, smoky undertone that pairs wonderfully with the BBQ chicken. Next, fold in the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses little by little, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth, melted, and oh-so-creamy. This is where the magic of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe truly shines.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and BBQ Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the cooked macaroni with the shredded rotisserie chicken and BBQ sauce, ensuring every bite has that sweet and tangy BBQ punch. Now, pour your luscious cheese sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture. Use a spatula to fold everything together until perfectly combined and coated in that irresistible cheese sauce.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by greasing it with butter or cooking spray. Transfer the BBQ chicken mac and cheese mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly. If you want a crunchy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle generously over the top. Bake the casserole for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Peek in around 20 minutes just to keep an eye on that beautiful golden crust forming. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly for the best texture.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped green onions or parsley not only lifts the vibrant colors but adds a fresh, herbaceous note that cuts through the richness. These garnishes make your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe pop visually and flavor-wise, making it even more inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or Brussels sprouts. For a Southern flair, serve alongside cornbread or coleslaw, which offer crunchy contrast and coolness to balance the warm, cheesy comfort of the mac and cheese.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins—perfect for dinner parties or making the dish feel a bit more special. You can also experiment by layering the BBQ chicken mac and cheese with extra cheese or BBQ sauce in a casserole dish for a more decadent bake. Don’t be afraid to sprinkle extra smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce on top for a personalized kick!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After the big meal, let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, your delicious BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. This makes it a great option for busy weeknight dinners or a quick, comforting lunch.
Freezing
This dish freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic make-ahead option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or use foil pans for easy reheating. Make sure to cool it thoroughly before freezing, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. When you want a comforting meal, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and get ready to enjoy that signature BBQ chicken and cheesy goodness again.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and heat in 1 to 2-minute increments, stirring in between to ensure even heating. Adding a little splash of milk before reheating can bring back some of the creamy texture if it has firmed up in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices here, you can swap in gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little spice. Just remember to choose cheeses that melt well to maintain that creamy texture.
Is rotisserie chicken necessary, or can I use fresh chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is recommended for convenience and flavor, but you can use freshly cooked chicken breast or thighs. Just be sure to shred it finely and season it well to keep the same meaty richness.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian take, skip the chicken and add smoked tofu, roasted vegetables, or even crispy tempeh with extra BBQ sauce for that same smoky, savory essence. It won’t be quite the same, but it’s really delicious and satisfying in its own right.
What’s the best type of BBQ sauce for this recipe?
It depends on the flavor profile you love. Sweet and tangy sauces work beautifully, but if you prefer a smoky or spicy sauce, go for that instead. Homemade BBQ sauce or high-quality store brands with balanced flavors yield the best results.
Can I prepare this recipe without baking it?
You can definitely enjoy it stovetop by combining the cooked pasta, chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce, then serving immediately. The baked version adds a crispy topping and melds flavors in a different way, but the stovetop version is quicker and just as tasty.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe is one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s cheesy, smoky, and packed with familiar flavors elevated by the goodness of BBQ chicken. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying solo when you need an ultimate comfort meal, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your cooking repertoire. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love just like I did!
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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy mac and cheese with smoky BBQ shredded chicken. Baked to perfection with a golden breadcrumb topping, this dish offers a perfect balance of cheesy richness and tangy BBQ flavor, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Garnish (Optional)
- Chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water (about 1 tablespoon salt) to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes based on package instructions.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain cooked pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden to form a roux.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
- Season Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
- Add Cheese: Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce. Gently fold them together.
- Mix Cheese Sauce: Pour cheese sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture and fold until everything is well coated.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Assemble Bake: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add Topping: If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Check around 20 minutes to monitor browning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use whole milk for a creamier cheese sauce, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter version.
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a pleasant crunch and golden finish.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce or use spicy BBQ sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
