BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightfully comforting dish that combines the richness of creamy cheese sauce with tender, smoky barbecue chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. This easy-to-make recipe brings a sense of nostalgia and warmth, making it a family favorite for gatherings or a simple weeknight dinner. With its step-by-step instructions and delicious flavors, this dish is not only satisfying but also guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters in your household.

Ingredients

To make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients, each bringing its own unique flavor and texture to the dish:

1½ lb chicken breasts, sliced in half for even cooking
½ tsp salt, plus more as needed to enhance flavors
½ tsp pepper, for a subtle kick
½ tsp chipotle powder, adding a smoky warmth
½ tsp garlic powder, infusing savory depth
1 tsp oil, to sear the chicken to perfection
⅓ cup barbecue sauce, with extra for drizzling
2 Tbsp Frank’s Red Hot or any buffalo sauce (optional), to intensify the sauce’s kick
12 oz box shells, medium-sized (about 2 cups of dry pasta, gluten-free options work as well)
4 Tbsp butter, for that luscious creaminess
¼ cup all-purpose flour, or gluten-free substitute for thickening the sauce
½ tsp salt & pepper, to season the cheese sauce perfectly
½ tsp chipotle powder, echoing that bold flavor
½ tsp garlic powder, ensuring a hearty taste in every bite
1½ cups milk (any type you prefer, or chicken broth can be used)
½ cup water (or chicken broth for extra depth)
¾ cup cheddar cheese, shredded, for the classic cheesy flavor
½ cup pepper jack cheese, shredded, for a spicy twist

These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making every bite a delightful experience.

Step-by-Step Directions

To start creating your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, follow these clear and engaging steps:

Cook the Chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, grab a large heavy-bottomed pan or skillet. Add 1 tsp of oil and heat over medium/high. Slice the breasts in half for even cooking and coat them with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder. Add the coated chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before shredding or chopping. Mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and hot sauce (if desired) and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the pasta. Cook the medium shells according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot used for the pasta, melt 4 Tbsp of butter over medium/low heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of flour until well combined. Gradually add in your chosen milk (or broth), stirring continuously until smooth. Add in the seasonings (salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder) and bring to a simmer.
Combine Ingredients: Turn down the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and creamy. Gently fold in the cooked shells and the BBQ-coated chicken, stirring until everything is evenly combined.
Bake (Optional): If you prefer a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a 9×9 casserole dish. Sprinkle some extra shredded cheddar on top and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce. Bake in a preheated oven at 400ºF for about 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired before serving.

Tips & Tricks

Chicken Prep: For quicker cooking, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts yourself; this will save time while still providing delicious flavor.
Cheese Choices: Feel free to mix different types of cheese based on your preference. Gouda or Monterey Jack can be great alternatives if you’re looking for unique flavors.
Pasta Variations: While shells are perfect for holding the sauce, macaroni or penne can also work well.
Vegetable Add-Ins: For added nutrition, consider mixing in veggies like spinach or broccoli into the mac and cheese for an extra pop of color and health benefits.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is fantastic on its own, but pairing it with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or grilled vegetables can elevate your meal. This dish is perfect for casual family dinners, BBQ gatherings, or potluck events, appealing to both kids and adults alike.

Nutritional Information

Although exact nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient choices, a serving of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese generally contains approximately 600 calories. It provides a good source of protein from the chicken, calcium from the cheese, and carbohydrates from the pasta. As with any comfort food, moderation is key for a balanced diet!

Storing Tips & Variations

To store leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for up to two months. To reheat, simply microwave it until warmed through, adding a splash of milk or broth to help maintain creaminess. You can also modify the recipe by using different proteins, such as turkey or a meat alternative, and adjusting the spices according to your taste.

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a must-try dish that brings comfort and joy to any table. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and smoky barbecue flavors makes it a delightful addition to your recipe repertoire. Don’t hesitate to share your experience with this delicious meal – your friends and family will appreciate it!

FAQs

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully in this dish. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times.

2. What if I don’t like spicy food?
You can easily omit the chipotle powder and the buffalo sauce to keep the dish mild while still delicious.

3. Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Consider substituting the chicken with a hearty vegetable blend, such as mushrooms and zucchini, or using chickpeas for added protein.

4. How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the mac and cheese in advance, then store it uncooked in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply bake as directed.

5. Is it okay to use cheese alternatives?
Yes! There are many cheese alternatives available that can be used for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer dairy-free options. Just ensure they melt well for the best texture.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

A delightfully comforting dish combining creamy cheese sauce, smoky barbecue chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken

1.5 lb chicken breasts, sliced in half for even cooking
0.5 tsp salt, plus more as needed
0.5 tsp pepper for a subtle kick
0.5 tsp chipotle powder adding a smoky warmth
0.5 tsp garlic powder infusing savory depth
1 tsp oil to sear the chicken
0.33 cup barbecue sauce plus extra for drizzling
2 Tbsp Frank's Red Hot or any buffalo sauce optional for kick

For the Pasta and Sauce

12 oz medium-sized shells about 2 cups of dry pasta, gluten-free options work well
4 Tbsp butter for creaminess
0.25 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free substitute for thickening
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper to season the cheese sauce
0.5 tsp chipotle powder resonating the bold flavors
0.5 tsp garlic powder for a hearty taste
1.5 cups milk any type, or chicken broth can be used
0.5 cup water or chicken broth for depth
0.75 cup cheddar cheese, shredded for classic cheesy flavor
0.5 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded for a spicy twist

Instructions

Cook the Chicken

Heat a large heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium/high heat and add 1 tsp of oil.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder.
Add the coated chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
Let the chicken rest for 2 minutes before shredding or chopping.
Mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and hot sauce (if using) and set aside.

Cook the Pasta

Cook the medium shells according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce

In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium/low heat.
Whisk in the flour until well combined.
Gradually add in your chosen milk (or broth), stirring continuously until smooth and bring to a simmer.
Add in the seasonings - salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder.

Combine Ingredients

Lower the heat and mix in the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and creamy.
Gently fold in the cooked shells and BBQ-coated chicken until everything is evenly combined.

Bake (Optional)

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a 9x9 casserole dish.
Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400ºF for about 15 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired before serving.

Notes

For quicker cooking, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. Feel free to mix different types of cheese, or add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.

Keyword BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Dish, Comfort Food, Pasta