BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe – Comfort Food Dinner Idea
This BBQ chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Tender smoky barbecue chicken layered over creamy mac and cheese, topped with gooey melted cheddar, makes a hearty and flavorful dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving a cozy, cheesy meal!
Equipment
- Large pot (for pasta)
- Saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish or skillet
- Whisk & spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or grilled)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet, smoky, or spicy)
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1 cup mozzarella (grated)
- 1 cup gouda or Monterey Jack (grated)
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, crispy bacon, jalapeños
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare chicken: Shred warm chicken and toss with BBQ sauce.
- Make cheese sauce: Melt butter in saucepan, whisk in flour to form roux. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in cheeses, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine: Fold pasta and BBQ chicken into cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Finish:-Stovetop: Serve immediately for creamy texture.-Baked: Transfer to baking dish, top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Optional: Broil for 2–3 minutes for golden crust.
Notes
- Cheese blend: Use sharp cheddar for tang, mozzarella for melt, gouda for depth.
- BBQ sauce: Sweet for richness, smoky for depth, spicy for heat.
- Shortcuts: Rotisserie chicken saves time.
- Variations: Add jalapeños, bacon, or swap chicken for pulled pork or jackfruit.
- Pro tip: Grate cheese fresh for smoother melting and creamier sauce.