Dinner

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

ByJulian Dempsey February 9, 2026February 9, 2026

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a smoky, creamy, and cheesy delight that brings together tender chicken and tangy BBQ sauce for a satisfying comfort meal. It’s perfect for family dinners or high-protein meal prep, combining classic flavors in one delicious dish.

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with macaroni pasta as the base layer, showing a creamy yellow-orange sauce coating the pasta, topped with golden-brown grilled chicken pieces that have slightly charred edges, and melted white cheese spread unevenly over the chicken and pasta, sprinkled with small green herb leaves across the top. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup milk (low-fat preferred)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
Step 3: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Step 4: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and continue stirring until everything is well mixed.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions for extra flavor and texture.
Try swapping elbow macaroni for shells or cavatappi for a fun twist.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce needs loosening.

How to Serve

This dish shows one main layer of cooked pasta with a smooth, light yellow color, mixed with creamy melted cheese that looks soft and gooey in off-white shades. On top of the pasta, there are evenly spread pieces of grilled chicken with a browned, slightly charred texture and dark caramelized edges. The whole dish is finished with small green herb pieces scattered over as garnish. The pasta and chicken are served inside a white bowl, placed on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, this dish is great for meal prep. Prepare it fully, then cool and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

What can I use instead of chicken breast?

You can substitute cooked shredded turkey or even pulled pork for a different flavor profile. Just ensure the meat is cooked before adding it to the recipe.