Nothing beats a steaming bowl of BBQ chicken mac and cheese when you're craving serious comfort food. This smoky, creamy masterpiece combines tender pulled BBQ chicken with perfectly cooked macaroni swimming in a rich cheese sauce that'll make your taste buds dance. I've been perfecting this BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe for years, and trust me when I say it's become the star of every family dinner at my table.
What makes this BBQ chicken mac and cheese so special? It's the perfect marriage of tangy barbecue flavors with that classic creamy mac and cheese we all grew up loving. Whether you're feeding hungry kids after school or hosting friends for a casual dinner party, this BBQ chicken mac and cheese delivers every single time with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Why This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Stands Out
This isn't your average boxed mac and cheese with some chicken thrown on top. My BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe starts with a proper cheese sauce made from scratch using a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy gouda that creates the most incredible texture. The secret lies in how we prepare the BBQ chicken; instead of just adding cold leftover chicken, we warm it with extra barbecue sauce to create those beautiful caramelized edges that make each bite unforgettable.
What really sets this BBQ chicken mac and cheese apart is its versatility and foolproof method. You can have this on the table in just 30 minutes using store-bought rotisserie chicken, or take it up a notch by smoking your own chicken ahead of time. The beauty of this recipe is that it works perfectly whether you're cooking for two people or feeding a crowd, and the combination of textures ; from the tender pasta to the juicy chicken and that gloriously gooey cheese sauce ; creates pure comfort food magic every single time you make it.
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Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Base
- Elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Smoked gouda cheese
- Cream cheese
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
BBQ Chicken
- Cooked chicken
- Barbecue sauce
- Brown sugar
- Apple cider vinegar
- Onion powder
Topping
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Butter
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
- Green onions
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta and BBQ Chicken
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
- While pasta cooks, combine shredded chicken with barbecue sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and onion powder in a large skillet.
- Heat the chicken mixture over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce caramelizes slightly and coats the chicken beautifully.
- Drain the cooked pasta and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
Step 2: Create the Cheese Sauce Base
- In the same pot you used for pasta, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux.
- Cook the roux for 2 minutes, whisking constantly to prevent burning and eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the warmed milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 3: Add Cheese and Combine Everything
- Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, gouda, and cream cheese until completely melted and smooth.
- Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, then taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Add the cooked pasta back to the pot and stir gently to coat every piece with that creamy cheese sauce.
- Fold in the prepared BBQ chicken mixture, adding reserved pasta water if needed to achieve your desired consistency.
Expert Cooking Tips
The key to perfect BBQ chicken mac and cheese lies in a few crucial techniques that separate good from absolutely incredible.
Temperature Control Secrets:
- Never let your cheese sauce boil once you add the cheese, as this can cause it to break and become grainy
- Always use room temperature or slightly warmed milk to prevent the roux from seizing up
- Keep your BBQ chicken warm while making the cheese sauce so everything stays at the perfect serving temperature
Cheese Selection and Preparation:
- Always shred your own cheese from blocks rather than buying pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting
- Combine sharp cheddar for flavor with gouda for creaminess, creating the perfect balance of taste and texture
- Add cream cheese as your secret weapon for extra richness and to help stabilize the sauce
BBQ Chicken Enhancement Tips:
- Caramelize your BBQ chicken in the skillet before adding it to create deeper flavors and better texture contrast
- Use a mix of dark and white meat chicken for the most flavorful and juicy results
- Don't skip the apple cider vinegar in your chicken mixture; it brightens the barbecue flavors and cuts through the richness
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
Transform your BBQ chicken mac and cheese into something completely new with these creative variations and dietary modifications.
Protein Variations:
You can easily swap the chicken for pulled pork, smoked brisket, or even crispy bacon bits. For a lighter version, try using rotisserie turkey or even grilled shrimp tossed in barbecue sauce. Vegetarians can substitute the chicken with smoky grilled portobello mushrooms or BBQ jackfruit for that same satisfying texture.
Cheese Blend Options:
- Southern Style: Replace gouda with sharp white cheddar and add a touch of cream cheese
- Smoky Version: Use smoked cheddar instead of regular cheddar and add a pinch of liquid smoke
- Spicy Kick: Mix in pepper jack cheese and add diced jalapeños to your BBQ chicken
- Gourmet Twist: Try gruyere and fontina instead of the cheddar-gouda combo
Dietary Modifications:
For gluten-free BBQ chicken mac and cheese, substitute regular pasta with brown rice pasta or chickpea pasta, and use cornstarch instead of flour for your roux. Dairy-free versions work beautifully with cashew-based cheese sauces and coconut milk. Keto enthusiasts can replace pasta with cauliflower florets or shirataki noodles while keeping all the delicious cheese and chicken components intact.
Equipment Recommendations
Creating the perfect BBQ chicken mac and cheese requires the right tools to ensure smooth cooking and optimal results.
Essential Equipment:
- Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for even heat distribution during cheese sauce preparation
- Large skillet for caramelizing your BBQ chicken mixture to perfection
- Fine-mesh whisk for creating lump-free cheese sauce every single time
- Box grater or food processor for freshly shredding your cheese blend
Helpful But Optional Tools: A pasta fork makes draining easier, while a silicone spatula helps fold ingredients without breaking the tender pasta. An instant-read thermometer ensures your milk reaches the perfect temperature for smooth sauce integration. For the ultimate BBQ chicken mac and cheese presentation, consider using individual cast-iron skillets that can go from stovetop to oven to table.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
Proper storage techniques ensure your BBQ chicken mac and cheese stays delicious for days and reheats beautifully.
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover BBQ chicken mac and cheese in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator. The key to maintaining that creamy texture is adding a splash of milk when reheating, as the pasta continues to absorb moisture even when cold. Portion individual servings in glass containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Freezing Instructions:
- Before Baking: Assemble your unbaked casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months
- After Cooking: Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheating Tips: Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then reheat in 350°F oven until heated through, adding extra cheese on top if needed
Meal Prep Strategy: Cook and shred your chicken in advance, storing it separately from the prepared barbecue sauce mixture. Pre-shred your cheese blend and store in refrigerator containers. This allows you to assemble your BBQ chicken mac and cheese in under 20 minutes on busy weeknights, making it perfect for families with hectic schedules.
The Golden Caramelization Secret
Here's the game-changing technique that elevates this BBQ chicken mac and cheese from good to absolutely extraordinary. The secret lies in creating what I call "golden caramelization" with your BBQ chicken before folding it into the cheese sauce.
Instead of just mixing cold chicken with sauce, heat your chicken mixture in a skillet until the barbecue sauce begins to caramelize around the edges, creating those beautiful dark spots that add incredible depth of flavor. This BBQ chicken mac and cheese technique concentrates the barbecue flavors while creating textural contrast that makes each bite more interesting. The caramelized bits don't just look appealing; they provide little bursts of intense smoky-sweet flavor that complement the creamy cheese sauce perfectly, turning a simple comfort food dish into restaurant-quality BBQ chicken mac and cheese that your family will request again and again.
FAQ
Does barbecue sauce go well with mac and cheese?
Absolutely! Barbecue sauce and mac and cheese create an incredible flavor combination. The tangy, smoky sweetness of barbecue sauce perfectly complements the rich, creamy cheese sauce in BBQ chicken mac and cheese, creating a balanced dish that's both comforting and exciting.
Should you put barbecue sauce on chicken before or after cooking?
For BBQ chicken mac and cheese, add barbecue sauce after cooking the chicken. This prevents burning and allows you to caramelize the sauce with the chicken for deeper flavor while maintaining the sauce's intended consistency and taste profile.
What cheese goes best with barbecue chicken?
Sharp cheddar and smoked gouda work beautifully in BBQ chicken mac and cheese. The sharp cheddar provides tangy flavor that complements barbecue sauce, while gouda adds smokiness and incredible creaminess to the overall dish.
Can you add chicken to macaroni and cheese?
Yes! Adding chicken to macaroni and cheese creates a complete, protein-rich meal. BBQ chicken mac and cheese is a perfect example of how chicken transforms basic mac and cheese into a satisfying dinner that's both filling and flavorful.
Perfect Comfort Food Pairings
This BBQ chicken mac and cheese pairs beautifully with other comfort food favorites that complement its rich, smoky flavors. The creamy, cheesy nature of this dish makes it an ideal companion for lighter sides and contrasting textures.
Consider serving your BBQ chicken mac and cheese alongside a crisp coleslaw or fresh green salad to cut through the richness. For more hearty comfort food combinations, try pairing it with our BBQ Meatballs Recipe for an ultimate barbecue feast, or complement it with our Smoked Mac and Cheese Recipe for cheese lovers who can't get enough. These combinations create memorable meals that satisfy every craving while keeping the barbecue theme consistent throughout your dinner spread, ensuring that every bite of your BBQ chicken mac and cheese experience is perfectly balanced and utterly delicious.
Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always smell like comfort food magic! 🧡
- Viola
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe:
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Large pot
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Box grater
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Silicone spatula
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Base
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk warmed
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup smoked gouda cheese shredded
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- salt and black pepper to taste
BBQ Chicken
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Topping
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup butter melted
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 green onions sliced thin
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente.
- Heat chicken with BBQ sauce, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and onion powder until caramelized.
- Melt butter in a skillet, whisk in flour, then slowly add warmed milk to form a roux.
- Stir in cheddar, gouda, and cream cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Fold in cooked pasta and BBQ chicken mixture until evenly coated.
- Top with panko, melted butter, cheddar, and green onions. Bake until golden.
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