If you love comfort food but crave a little smoky, tangy excitement, then you’re going to adore this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe. This dish takes traditional creamy mac and cheese and elevates it by adding succulent shredded chicken tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce, delivering layers of flavor that complement each other perfectly. It’s the ideal cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, but with that extra punch that keeps every bite interesting and irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe plays a crucial role in balancing flavors and textures. From the creamy cheeses to the smoky spices, each component is simple but essential, making this dish both straightforward and scrumptiously satisfying.
- Elbow macaroni: The perfect pasta shape for capturing creamy sauce in every bite.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Adds hearty protein and pairs beautifully with BBQ sauce.
- BBQ sauce: Brings tangy, smoky sweetness that gives this mac and cheese its unique twist.
- Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the roux and cheese sauce without overpowering flavors.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent that makes your cheese sauce silky and smooth.
- Milk (whole is best): Adds creaminess and balances all the flavors perfectly.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Classic mac and cheese staple that adds depth and sharpness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey stretch and milder creaminess.
- Garlic powder: Boosts savory notes without overwhelming the dish.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- Smoked paprika: Offers a gentle smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to bring all the components together.
- Breadcrumbs (optional): Give the dish a crunchy, golden topping.
- Olive oil (if using breadcrumbs): Helps breadcrumbs crisp nicely as they bake.
- Chopped green onions or parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, bright finishing touch.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—this is key to perfectly seasoned pasta. Add your elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, usually 7 to 8 minutes depending on the package instructions. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking and keep the noodles from sticking, then set aside while you work on the cheese sauce.
Step 2: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until completely liquid and smooth. Whisk in the flour and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns bubbly and slightly golden—this is your roux, the secret to a velvety sauce. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Step 3: Season and Add Cheese
Reduce heat to low and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These spices bring warmth and depth without overpowering the cheese. Then, gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and stir gently until melted and creamy—this luscious cheese blend is what makes this dish pure comfort food magic.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and BBQ Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with shredded chicken and your BBQ sauce of choice. This combination melds tender bites of chicken with the tangy, smoky sauce that brightens the dish and sets it apart from ordinary mac and cheese.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Pour the warm cheese sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture and fold gently until everything is evenly coated. Your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe is coming together beautifully—rich, creamy, and bursting with layers of flavor.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make clean-up easier. Spread your mac and cheese mixture evenly in the dish, smoothing the top.
Step 7: Add the Topping and Bake
If you’re using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil until evenly coated, then sprinkle the mixture on top of the mac and cheese. This extra crunch makes every bite exciting. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and bubbly around the edges. Keep an eye at the 20-minute mark to avoid burning.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This resting time lets the cheese sauce thicken slightly so it’s easier to serve and even more delicious.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh parsley on top adds a pop of color and a light, fresh contrast to the richness of the dish. Both enhance the look and flavor without adding heaviness.
Side Dishes
Serve this creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese alongside a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for balance. Cornbread or baked beans are fantastic companions that lean into the BBQ vibe, making your meal feel like a comforting feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking individual portions in ramekins for effortless single servings that look charming and make for a great presentation at a dinner party. You can also stuff bell peppers or mushrooms with the mac and cheese for a unique handheld option that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your feast, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep nicely for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors even deepen overnight, making for fantastic next-day meals.
Freezing
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe freezes well! Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap to avoid freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 2 months and still maintain great flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through to keep the cheesy texture intact, or microwave in intervals stirring halfway to avoid hot spots. Adding a splash of milk can help restore creaminess if needed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is classic, you can substitute with shells, cavatappi, or even penne. Just make sure the pasta shape holds the sauce well and cooks evenly.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose a BBQ sauce you love eating on its own—whether sweet, smoky, spicy, or tangy. Each variation will subtly change the dish’s flavor profile but won’t disappoint.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Sure thing! Simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of cheese for extra richness, or add grilled vegetables for texture and flavor while keeping the BBQ sauce for that signature twist.
Is it necessary to bake the mac and cheese?
Baking is optional but highly recommended. It melts the cheeses together perfectly, crisps up the breadcrumb topping, and gives the dish a beautiful golden finish that’s hard to resist.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild by default but you can always amp up the heat by choosing spicy BBQ sauce or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the cheese sauce for a subtle kick.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe. It’s a fabulous way to bring something new to your dinner table while still embracing that warm, familiar feeling of comfort food. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish delivers hearty satisfaction guaranteed to make any mealtime memorable.
Print
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: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken with smoky BBQ sauce and creamy, cheesy macaroni for a delightful twist on classic comfort food. Baked to golden bubbly perfection with an optional crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
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 whole milk
- 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 to a boil using about 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Make Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Add Cheeses: Gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy, forming a rich cheese sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce. Gently fold together until evenly mixed.
- Mix with Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and fold carefully until everything is evenly coated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Assemble Dish: Pour the BBQ chicken mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Optional Topping: If using, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Check around the 20-minute mark to monitor browning.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to set.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and convenience, but you can use any cooked chicken.
- For extra smoky flavor, consider adding a dash of liquid smoke or smoked cheddar.
- Whole milk is recommended for the richest and creamiest sauce; low-fat milk can be used for a lighter version.
- If breadcrumbs are not available or desired, omit the topping or use crushed crackers as an alternative.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
