Go Back
To make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, gather these simple ingredients: - 8 ounces elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred flavor) - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) If you want to switch things up, here are some ideas: - You can use any pasta shape, like penne or shells. - Swap the chicken for shredded beef or pulled pork for a different taste. - If you don't have BBQ sauce, try using a mix of ketchup and mustard. - For the cheeses, feel free to mix in gouda or pepper jack for extra flavor. - You can replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or even skip them entirely. Using good ingredients makes your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese taste amazing. Fresh chicken and real cheese create a rich flavor. High-quality BBQ sauce can enhance the dish's overall taste too. Quality ingredients also help with texture. Cream cheese adds creaminess, while panko gives a nice crunch. Always choose what you love. This way, your meal will shine. Check out the Full Recipe for all the details! To make BBQ chicken mac and cheese, start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it until al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and place it in a large mixing bowl. Next, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a spacious bowl. You want the chicken to be well-coated, so stir it well. This adds great flavor to your dish. Now, let's make the cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt and become smooth. This step is key for a creamy texture. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste as you go to get the right flavor. Once the cheese sauce is ready, fold in the cooked macaroni and BBQ chicken. Make sure everything is mixed well. You want each bite to be cheesy and flavorful. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Pour in the mac and cheese mixture and spread it evenly. Finally, top the dish with the remaining cheese and panko breadcrumbs. This will give a nice crunch when baked. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for bubbling cheese and a golden breadcrumb topping. - Use salted water to enhance the flavor of the pasta. - Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture. - Rinse the pasta briefly after draining to stop the cooking process. - Use room temperature cream cheese for easier mixing. - Stir continuously to prevent the cheese from sticking to the pan. - Adjust the cheese types based on your taste; sharp cheddar adds great flavor. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide above. When making BBQ chicken mac and cheese, avoid overcooking the pasta. Cook it just until al dente. If you cook it too long, it can become mushy. Also, don’t skip the cream cheese. It adds a rich, creamy texture. Failing to mix the BBQ sauce well can leave dry spots. Make sure the chicken is fully coated. You can personalize this dish in many ways! Try using different cheeses like pepper jack for a spicy kick. Add veggies like sweet corn or diced bell peppers for extra color and crunch. You can also swap the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta. If you want a smoky flavor, add smoked paprika to the cheese sauce. Serve your BBQ chicken mac and cheese in warm bowls. This makes the meal feel cozy and inviting. A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top can enhance the flavor. You might also add a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a nice touch. Pair it with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! {{image_4}} You can make BBQ mac and cheese without meat. Start by using veggies instead of chicken. Try using roasted mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. They add great flavor and texture. Use your favorite BBQ sauce to keep it tasty. For cheese, stick with sharp cheddar and mozzarella. You get a creamy and rich dish. You can also add some beans for protein. This makes it filling and healthy. If you need a gluten-free option, swap out the pasta. Use gluten-free elbow macaroni made from rice or corn. They work well in this dish. Check the BBQ sauce for gluten. Many brands offer gluten-free options. For the cheese, most are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to read the labels. With these changes, you can enjoy BBQ chicken mac and cheese without the gluten. You can serve BBQ chicken mac and cheese two ways: baked or stovetop. Baking creates a crispy topping. Use panko breadcrumbs and extra cheese for a crunchy layer. This method makes the dish feel special. Stovetop cooking is quicker and easier. Just mix everything in one pot. It’s perfect for busy weeknights. Choose the method that fits your time and mood. Both styles taste amazing! For the full recipe, check the details above. To store your BBQ chicken mac and cheese, let it cool first. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep out air. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This way, you can enjoy it again without losing flavor. When you're ready to eat, you can reheat it easily. Place your portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. Stir halfway through for even heating. If you prefer the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Bake for about 15 minutes, or until it’s hot throughout. If you want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or freezer bags. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label it with the date. It can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. For the best texture, reheat it in the oven. This helps restore the creamy goodness! For the full recipe, check out the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight . Yes, you can make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you are ready to eat, simply bake it straight from the fridge. Add an extra five to ten minutes to the baking time. This makes it easy for busy weeknights or gatherings. You can use many types of cheese for this dish. Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are great choices. For a tangy twist, try adding gouda or pepper jack. If you want a creamier texture, consider using fontina or cream cheese. Mixing different cheeses adds depth to the flavor. Choose what you love for a more personalized dish. You can control the spice level to suit your taste. For mild heat, use regular BBQ sauce. If you like it spicy, select a hot BBQ sauce or add diced jalapeños. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the cheese sauce. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. Adjusting spice makes it fun and unique. For the full recipe, check the details above. In this blog post, I covered the key ingredients and methods for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. I explained the importance of quality ingredients and provided handy cooking tips. I also shared ways to customize the dish and avoid common mistakes. You can even explore variations for different diets. Remember, great meals come from good planning and practice. Enjoy making this dish and impress your friends and family!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight! This creamy and cheesy dish combines tender elbow macaroni with juicy shredded chicken and zesty BBQ sauce, topped with a crunchy panko layer. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it's an easy recipe that your loved ones will crave. Don’t miss out on this delicious creation—click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your mealtime!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 ounces elbow macaroni

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred flavor)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, or until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Use a spatula or spoon to thoroughly mix until the chicken is generously coated with the sauce.

      Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan set over medium heat, combine the softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and form a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well to incorporate the flavors.

        Combine Ingredients: Pour the cooked macaroni and the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheese sauce. Gently fold the ingredients together until the pasta is well-coated in the cheesy goodness and the chicken is evenly distributed throughout.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Carefully transfer the mac and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.

            Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mac and cheese. Then, evenly distribute the panko breadcrumbs across the cheese layer to achieve that perfect crunchy topping.

              Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and the breadcrumbs have turned a splendid golden brown.

                Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes. Just before serving, garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve in individual bowls for a more personal touch, and consider a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top for added flavor and presentation!