Go Back
–+ servings
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Savory BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for Ultimate Comfort Nights

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines smoky chicken with creamy macaroni for an easy and delicious comfort dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitute with rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Can substitute with any short pasta shape.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups Milk Substitute with whole milk or a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese Gouda or pepper jack can be used.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Consider using cream cheese for an ultra-creamy sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can swap with olive oil.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Cornstarch can be used if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be sautéed as an alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onion can be sautéed as an alternative.
For Additional Flavor
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce Use your favorite variety—sweet, smoky, or spicy.
  • to taste Salt For overall seasoning enhancement.
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large pot
  • saucepan

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and no longer pink.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add elbow macaroni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Lower the heat and add sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir until both cheeses melt completely. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Combine the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken with the cheese sauce. Pour in BBQ sauce and stir until well combined. If too thick, add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency.
  6. Serve the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese warm. Optionally, drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 560kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 890mgPotassium: 540mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

This dish is highly customizable; feel free to add veggies or swap in different pasta shapes to suit your taste.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!