Hearty BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

When I'm looking for something melty and satisfying that's got plenty of protein, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is what I crave. The mix of juicy chicken and smoky, zingy sauce levels up that classic mac vibe. It’s awesome for weeknight family meals or when you want to prep ahead—keeps everyone full and happy, no matter how wild your schedule gets.

I came up with this one after my kids couldn’t get enough of BBQ chicken pizza. Now, it’s the thing they always want for laid-back weekends or when we want something a little extra—even though it’s crazy quick to fix.

Incredible Ingredients

• Fresh parsley for topping (optional): A bright pop and a fresh flavor hit Only grab the flat leaf if you can swing it
• Salt and pepper: Everyday basics that bring it all together Taste as you build so it lands just right
• Smoked paprika: Delivers a big boost of that smoky BBQ taste Try Spanish kinds for bigger flavor
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These punch up the taste Use good, fresh spices if possible
• BBQ sauce: This is what sets the dish apart Pick your fave—sweeter or spicy, totally your call
• Milk: Low fat keeps it light but creamy Go with whole milk if you want more richness
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: Makes things stretchier and gooier Lighter part skim keeps it from getting heavy
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The biggest cheese flavor here Sharp cheddar's the move—grate it yourself for max melt
• Elbow macaroni or short pasta shapes: Any chunky pasta's good to grab the sauce Bronze-cut pasta feels extra special
• Olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the chicken juicy Extra virgin has the best, deepest flavor
• Cooked, shredded chicken breast: Gives a solid bite and plenty of lean protein Organic or free range brings more flavor

Easy Step-by-Step Directions

Finish & Serve:

Scoop into bowls while it's super hot Throw on some parsley if you like a pop of color and freshness

Check Seasoning:

Try a bite and add more salt or pepper if you want Don’t be afraid to tweak it

Mix in BBQ Chicken:

Stir your chicken mix into the cheesy pasta so it's all combined and super creamy

Bring Pasta and Cheese Together:

Pour your pasta into the smooth cheese sauce Stir gently so every bit is covered in cheesy goodness

Make Cheese Sauce:

Heat milk in a saucepan over medium, being careful not to burn Stir in cheddar and mozzarella a little at a time until it’s smooth and melty

Add Flavors to Chicken:

Season chicken in the pan with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper Pour BBQ sauce over and toss so every piece is coated Let it bubble for around three minutes

Warm Up Chicken:

Heat oil in a big skillet on medium Toss in shredded chicken and cook a few minutes till it’s hot and a bit crispy around the edges

Cook Pasta:

Get your pasta boiling based on package instructions Stir sometimes so it doesn’t stick Drain it when it’s just firm enough for the cheese sauce

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The best part for me? Seeing the cheese sauce go from thick and lumpy to shiny smooth As a kid, making this with my mom on chilly days felt like magic—she’d let me stir in the cheese till everything melted and glossy

Tips For Storing

Once cooled, put leftovers in a sealed container and stash in the fridge for up to three days When reheating, keep it low and slow on the stove with just a splash of milk so it stays creamy Divide into single portions to make lunch packing totally painless

Simple Swaps

Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken or shredded leftover turkey Any gluten free short pasta works if needed Try tossing in a bit of pepper jack or gouda with your cheeses when you want something different

How To Serve It

This goes awesome with a crisp salad to balance the richness or throw some roasted broccoli on the side For crunch, sprinkle bacon bits over the top Want some kick? Add pickled jalapenos

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Fun Backstory

This dish is classic American comfort with a twist—It brings together creamy mac with everyone’s favorite BBQ chicken vibes. Mixing BBQ and pasta first caught on at Southern spots and now it’s an at-home fave any time you want a ton of flavor in one bowl

Common Questions

→ Is it okay to swap in rotisserie chicken?

You bet! Grab a rotisserie chicken, shred it up, and toss it right in. Easy and tasty.

→ What's the best pasta to use?

Shells, rotini, or elbow macaroni all work awesome for holding onto that cheesy goodness.

→ Can I prep this in advance?

For sure. Pop leftovers in a sealed container and gently reheat on the stove or hit the microwave.

→ Any way to boost the flavor a bit?

You could mix in some crunchy bacon, a sprinkle of sautéed onions, or give it a kick with hot sauce.

→ How do I make it lighter?

Swap in low-fat milk, use part-skim cheese, and scale back on the cheese if you want it a bit lighter.

→ What BBQ sauce should I grab?

Go with one you love! A tangy or a little sweet kind goes awesome with the creamy cheese combo.