Go Back
+ servings
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Game Changer

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a quick, customizable dinner that blends smoky BBQ flavors with creamy mac and cheese.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitution: Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite style—sweet or tangy.
For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Macaroni Substitution: Any short pasta like penne or rotini works well.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Sharp cheddar elevates the taste.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Substitution: Use pepper jack for a spicy kick.
  • 2 cups Milk
  • 2 tablespoons Butter
  • 2 tablespoons Flour
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Mixing Bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of oil. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat, let it rest briefly, then shred.
  2. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions, typically around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisk until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup each of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over and stir until combined.
  6. Transfer to a serving dish, garnish as desired, and serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!