Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my all-time favorite comfort food: BBQ chicken mac and cheese! This dish is a creamy, cheesy hug in a bowl that brings together the smoky sweetness of BBQ chicken and the nostalgia of childhood mac and cheese. I remember the first time I made it—my friends were over for a movie night, and I wanted something that would be both filling and totally satisfying. Trust me, when that cheesy goodness came out of the oven bubbling and golden, we could hardly wait to dig in! The beauty of this recipe is how easy it is to whip up, and it’s such a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds!).
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious BBQ chicken mac and cheese. I promise it’s simple, and you might even have some of these ingredients on hand already!
- 2 cups cooked macaroni: You can use elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you love. Just cook it until it’s al dente, so it holds up well in the oven.
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken: Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here. Just shred it up, and you’re good to go!
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade version to add that sweet and tangy flavor. Feel free to adjust this to your taste!
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: I love a sharp cheddar for that extra flavor, but feel free to mix it up with a blend of cheeses if you fancy.
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk gives it creaminess, but any milk you have will work—just don’t skimp!
- 1/4 cup cream cheese: This is the secret to an ultra-creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little extra flavor boost; trust me, it makes a difference!
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Just like the garlic, this adds depth to the dish without overpowering it.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Season according to your preference. Don’t be shy—taste as you go!
How to Prepare BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this mouthwatering BBQ chicken mac and cheese. Don’t worry; it’s super easy and oh-so-rewarding! Just follow these steps, and you’ll be digging into that cheesy goodness in no time.
- Preheat your oven: First things first, you want to get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). This ensures everything bakes evenly.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine your cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce. Give it a good stir until everything is nicely coated.
- Add the creamy goodness: Now, it’s time to add in the cheddar cheese, milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until it’s beautifully creamy and well combined. I like to use a spatula to make sure I get every bit of that delicious cream cheese blended in!
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease a baking dish (I usually use a 9×13 inch one) and pour the macaroni mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the mac and cheese. This is where the magic happens—who doesn’t love a cheesy crust?
- Bake to perfection: Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when it’s bubbly and golden on top. I usually keep an eye on it during the last few minutes, just to make sure it’s not getting too brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will be irresistible!
And there you have it! Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes (if you can resist the urge to dive right in), then serve it up. Enjoy every cheesy, BBQ-infused bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This BBQ chicken mac and cheese comes together in just about 45 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s the ultimate comfort dish that warms you right up!
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of BBQ sauce and melted cheddar creates a deliciously bold flavor that’ll have everyone asking for the recipe.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses, add veggies, or even toss in some extra spices to make it your own!
- Leftover Friendly: It’s perfect for using up leftover chicken or pasta, so nothing goes to waste!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone’s taste buds.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make sure your BBQ chicken mac and cheese turns out as amazing as it sounds! Here are some of my top tips to help you nail it every time:
- Cook your pasta al dente: It’s super important to cook your macaroni just until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite to it. If it’s too soft, it can turn mushy when baked, and nobody wants that!
- Don’t skimp on the cheese: Seriously, the more cheese, the better! Using a mix of sharp and mild cheddar can give you a great flavor contrast. If you love a little heat, consider adding pepper jack cheese for a kick!
- Let the cream cheese soften: Before mixing it in, make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This makes it way easier to blend into the mixture and helps achieve that creamy texture you’re after.
- Adjust the BBQ sauce: Everyone has their own taste when it comes to BBQ sauce. Feel free to taste and adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your liking. A little bit of extra honey or hot sauce can take it to the next level!
- Keep an eye on the oven: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your mac and cheese during the last few minutes of baking. You want that golden top without burning it. If it’s browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
- Let it rest: Once it’s out of the oven, let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes it easier to scoop out those cheesy portions.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to serving up the best BBQ chicken mac and cheese ever! Happy cooking!
Variations of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Let’s get creative with this BBQ chicken mac and cheese! The beauty of this dish is that it’s super versatile, so you can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. Here are some fun variations to try out:
- Different Cheeses: Swap out the cheddar for a blend of your favorites! Try Monterey Jack for creaminess or gouda for a smoky flavor. You could even add some blue cheese for a bold twist!
- Spicy Kick: If you love heat, mix in some diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the macaroni mixture. You could even top it off with crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
- Veggie Boost: Amp up the nutrition by adding in some veggies! Spinach, bell peppers, or even roasted corn can add great flavor and color to your dish.
- Bacon Addition: Who doesn’t love bacon? Crumble some crispy bacon on top before serving for that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor.
- BBQ Chicken and Bacon Ranch: For a fun twist, mix in a packet of ranch seasoning with your BBQ sauce for a zesty flavor combo. Add some crumbled bacon for a true flavor explosion!
- Buffalo Chicken Mac: Change things up by using buffalo sauce instead of BBQ sauce for a tangy, spicy version. Top it with blue cheese crumbles for the ultimate buffalo experience!
Feel free to mix and match any of these ideas to make this BBQ chicken mac and cheese your own! The possibilities are endless, and I can’t wait to hear what delicious combinations you come up with!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this amazing BBQ chicken mac and cheese and have some leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store it properly so you can enjoy those cheesy bites again later.
First off, let the mac and cheese cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make it watery. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. I like to use glass containers because they keep everything fresh and are easy to reheat!
Store your leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It should be good for about 2-3 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is key to keeping that creamy texture intact. If it’s refrigerated, just scoop out the amount you want and place it in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of milk to help bring back the creaminess, cover it loosely with a microwave-safe lid or paper towel, and heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s heated through. This way, you avoid that dreaded dry mac and cheese!
If you’re reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the fridge before microwaving. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven. Just preheat to 350°F (175°C), place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed all the way through. You can uncover it for the last few minutes to get that cheesy top bubbly again!
There you go! With these storage and reheating tips, you can savor every last bite of your BBQ chicken mac and cheese goodness. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Knowing the nutritional values of your BBQ chicken mac and cheese can help you enjoy it while staying mindful of your dietary goals. Here’s an estimate of what you’re getting in every delicious serving (about 1 cup):
- Calories: 450
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and any substitutions you make. But no matter the numbers, one thing’s for sure—this BBQ chicken mac and cheese is totally worth every cheesy, comforting bite!
FAQ About BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
While I recommend using cooked chicken for this recipe to save time, you can use raw chicken if you prefer! Just cook it thoroughly in a skillet before shredding and mixing it with the other ingredients. Just remember to adjust your cooking time a bit to ensure everything is heated through nicely!
What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Honestly, it depends on your taste! I love a tangy, sweet BBQ sauce for this mac and cheese, but you can use whatever you have on hand or your favorite brand. If you like it spicy, a chipotle BBQ sauce can add a nice kick!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready! You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
How do I make it gluten-free?
No problem! Just swap out the regular macaroni for gluten-free pasta, and you’re all set. Make sure your BBQ sauce is also gluten-free, and you’re ready to enjoy this delicious dish without worry!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cool the mac and cheese completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep well for about 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your BBQ chicken mac and cheese ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it to make your meal even more delightful! This dish is such a star on its own, but a few well-chosen sides can really elevate the whole experience.
- Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with a warm, toasty slice of garlic bread. The buttery, garlicky goodness complements the creamy mac and cheese perfectly!
- Coleslaw: A fresh, crunchy coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the rich flavors of the mac and cheese. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies!
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: If it’s summer, throw some corn on the grill! The smoky sweetness pairs beautifully with the BBQ flavors in your dish.
- Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the mac and cheese. You can even toss in some avocado for creaminess!
- Pickles or Jalapeños: If you love a bit of tang or heat, serving pickles or jalapeños on the side can be a fun addition. They’ll cut through the creaminess and add a nice zing!
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can be a delightful contrast to the savory mac and cheese. Think watermelon, berries, or whatever is in season!
These sides not only complement the BBQ chicken mac and cheese but also add color and variety to your table. So grab a plate, serve it all up, and enjoy a satisfying, comforting meal that your family and friends will love!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy mac and cheese recipe or this baked mac and cheese recipe!
Print
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: 5 Comforting Flavor Secrets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with BBQ chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chicken, and BBQ sauce.
- Add cheddar cheese, milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until combined.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker prep.
- Adjust BBQ sauce based on your taste preference.
- Add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: bbq chicken mac and cheese, creamy pasta, comfort food
