BBQ CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN

Picture this: creamy, cheesy macaroni, tossed with tender, flavorful BBQ chicken. Forget slaving over a complicated meal after a long day. With this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – Easy Weeknight Dinner, you’re only minutes away from a dinner that will have everyone begging for seconds! We’re talking serious comfort food that’s quick enough for a weeknight and delicious enough for company.

Gathering Your Heavenly Ingredients

Here is everything you’ll need to create this masterpiece. Don’t worry, most of it’s probably already in your pantry!

For the Mac and Cheese Base:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for extra creaminess)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar works best!)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs!)
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (Sweet Baby Ray’s is a classic choice!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Crumbled bacon
• Fresh cilantro
• Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Step-by-Step to BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Bliss

Let’s get this show on the road! I promise, this is easier than it looks. We’ll break it down into simple steps.

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

1. First, let’s prep our chicken! Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This will help it cook quickly and evenly, and make it perfect for mixing into the mac and cheese.
2. In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, and onion powder. Make sure all the pieces are nicely coated. This spice blend gives our chicken that signature BBQ flavor even before the sauce is added!
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; you might need to cook in batches.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, pour in your favorite BBQ sauce and stir to coat. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. Set aside.

Crafting the Creamy Mac & Cheese:

1. While the chicken is cooking, let’s get the mac and cheese going! Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Remember to salt your pasta water! This is key to flavorful pasta. Drain the macaroni well and set aside.
2. Now for the roux! In the same pot you cooked the macaroni in (wipe it out first, if needed), melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a paste called a roux, which will thicken our cheese sauce.
3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Don’t rush this step! Patience is key to a silky-smooth cheese sauce.
5. Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Marrying the Chicken and Mac:

1. Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Make sure every noodle is covered in that cheesy goodness!
2. Gently fold in the BBQ chicken. Be careful not to overmix, you want to keep those chicken pieces intact.

Serving Up a Slice of Heaven:

1. Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or fresh cilantro. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce is always a good idea!

Troubleshooting Your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Even the best chefs face hiccups! Here’s how to tackle a few common issues:

Lumpy Cheese Sauce:

Don’t panic! If your cheese sauce is lumpy, try whisking it vigorously over low heat. You can also use an immersion blender to smooth it out. Make sure you’re adding the cheese gradually and stirring constantly. Prevention is key!

Dry Mac and Cheese:

If your mac and cheese seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add a little extra butter for richness.

Bland Flavor:

Taste as you go! Don’t be afraid to add more salt, pepper, garlic powder, or even a dash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch. The beauty of cooking is that you can customize it to your liking!

Level Up Your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Game

Want to take this recipe to the next level? Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:

Spice It Up:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

Add Some Veggies:

Toss in some steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed onions for added nutrition and flavor.

Get Cheesy:

Experiment with different types of cheese! Gruyere, Gouda, or even pepper jack would be delicious in this mac and cheese.

Breadcrumb Topping:

For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

BBQ Chicken & Mac Inspiration!

Craving more exciting chicken recipes? We’ve got you covered!

If you love the flavor combination of chicken and corn, you’ve got to try the STREET CORN CHICKEN BOWL or the STREET CORN CHICKEN. They’re both bursting with summer flavors.

For a healthy twist on BBQ chicken, check out BBQ CHICKEN SWEET POTATO BLISS. It’s a delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner.

Want to set it and forget it? The CROCKPOT SWEET BABY RAY’S CHICKEN is the way to go. Just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its thing!

For another mac & cheese variation, you might enjoy HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN, it’s a sweet and savory treat!

Finally, if you’re looking for a pasta dish with a similar flavor profile, give HONEY BBQ CHICKEN PENNE a try.

Tips for Making This the Best Mac You’ve Ever Had

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a total knockout!

Use Quality Ingredients:

The better the ingredients, the better the final product. Splurge on good quality cheddar cheese and your favorite BBQ sauce. It really makes a difference!

Don’t Overcook the Macaroni:

Overcooked macaroni will become mushy in the cheese sauce. Cook it al dente, so it still has a little bite.

Grate Your Own Cheese:

Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a creamier cheese sauce.

Taste and Adjust Seasonings:

Seasoning is key! Taste the cheese sauce and BBQ chicken and adjust the seasonings to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment!

The Ultimate Weeknight Winner Awaits!

There you have it! BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, an easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and convenience. So go ahead, give it a try! I guarantee you’ll be hooked. Enjoy every cheesy, BBQ-filled bite! And don’t forget to share your creations with me – I love seeing your cooking triumphs!

BBQ Chicken Mac Heaven

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy macaroni combined with tender, flavorful BBQ chicken. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this comfort food classic will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready in minutes, it’s a delicious and easy way to enjoy a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Medium bowl
• Large skillet
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne pepper optional
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, fresh cilantro, extra BBQ sauce

Instructions

 

• Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes.
• In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, smoked paprika, and onion powder, ensuring all pieces are coated.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to coat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
• Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Salt the pasta water generously.
• Drain the macaroni well and set aside.
• In the same pot you cooked the macaroni in (wipe it out if needed), melt the butter over medium heat.
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
• Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
• Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
• Gently fold in the BBQ chicken, being careful not to overmix.
• Serve immediately, garnished with your favorite toppings like chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or fresh cilantro. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use high-quality cheddar cheese and your favorite BBQ sauce. Grate your own cheese for a smoother cheese sauce. Don’t overcook the macaroni; it should be al dente. If the cheese sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. To spice it up, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Toss in steamed broccoli, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed onions for added nutrition and flavor. Try different types of cheese like Gruyere or Gouda for a unique flavor. For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking for 15-20 minutes at 350°F (175°C).