Table of Contents: BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese
Introduction
There’s something magical about the union of creamy, cheesy macaroni and bold, tangy BBQ chicken. This is more than just a comfort meal—it’s a flavor-packed dish that bridges two American culinary classics into one unforgettable experience. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, potluck, or game day gathering, BBQ chicken mac n cheese delivers satisfaction in every bite. In this ultimate guide, we’ll uncover the history behind this dish, break down ingredients, share unique variations, explore best cooking methods, and answer all your top questions.
Looking for another comforting dinner idea? Try our Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe
The Origin and Rise of BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese
The Birth of an All-American Classic
The roots of mac n cheese date back centuries, but the combo with BBQ chicken? That’s a modern twist born from the soul food kitchens of the American South. As people started experimenting with bolder comfort foods, BBQ chicken was layered into creamy macaroni and cheese—creating a hearty, crave-worthy masterpiece.
Why Mac N Cheese and BBQ Chicken Became a Trend
In the 2010s, food trucks and gastropubs fueled the popularity of BBQ chicken mac n cheese. The rich, velvety cheese sauce pairs beautifully with smoky barbecue flavors, and the addition of shredded or grilled chicken added the protein punch many diners craved. Instagram-worthy and flavor-forward, it became a staple in modern comfort food menus.
Core Ingredients That Make It Irresistible
Picking the Right Cheese for Ultimate Creaminess
The perfect bbq chicken mac n cheese starts with the right cheese. Sharp cheddar offers a bold base, mozzarella brings the gooey texture, and a dash of smoked gouda adds depth. Want something extra creamy? Add cream cheese or evaporated milk for a silkier sauce.
| Cheese Type | Flavor Profile | Texture Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp Cheddar | Bold & Tangy | Classic Base |
| Smoked Gouda | Smoky & Rich | Depth of Flavor |
| Mozzarella | Mild & Creamy | Stretchy Texture |
| Cream Cheese | Tangy & Rich | Extra Creaminess |
Best Chicken Cuts for Juicy BBQ Flavor
Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juiciness, or shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience. For a smoky twist, try grilled or smoked chicken. Always toss the chicken in BBQ sauce before combining it with pasta for maximum flavor.
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BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese – The Best Comfort Food Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with BBQ flavor, this BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese is the ultimate comfort food twist everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces mini shell pasta or elbow macaroni
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup beer or more chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 ounces (1 can) evaporated milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce, plus more for topping
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups smoked gouda cheese, shredded
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Add pasta, chicken broth, beer (if using), salt, and pepper to EPC, stirring to combine.
- Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Perform a quick pressure release, and carefully remove the lid.
- Select saute and stir butter into pasta until melted. Add milk, cream cheese, barbecue sauce, mustard, and paprika and mix well. Press Cancel/Keep Warm.
- Add the shredded cheese 1 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition until melted. Once the cheeses are fully incorporated, stir in the shredded chicken. Add additional milk, a few tablespoons at a time, if you’d like it creamier.
- Serve drizzled with more barbecue sauce and garnished with sliced green onions and ground black pepper.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture. Smoked gouda adds a delicious depth of flavor that pairs perfectly with BBQ chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, one-pot, cheesy
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Mastering the Sauce Combo – BBQ Meets Cheese
Choosing the Perfect BBQ Sauce: Sweet vs Smoky
Not all sauces are created equal. For a sweeter profile, use Kansas City-style BBQ sauce. Want more heat? Go with a Texas-style spicy blend. Smoky or vinegar-based Carolina sauces also pair well with sharp cheese.
How Cheese and BBQ Sauce React During Baking
Mixing BBQ sauce with cheese can be tricky—too much BBQ sauce can curdle your cheese blend. The trick? Layer your ingredients. Bake the mac n cheese base, then fold in the sauced chicken before the final bake. This preserves texture while keeping flavors balanced.
For another rich dish full of creaminess, don’t miss our Easy Arroz con Leche Recipe
Step-by-Step BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese Recipe
Prepping the Chicken: Grilled, Baked, or Pulled
- Grilled Chicken: Marinate, grill, and shred.
- Baked Chicken: Coat with seasoning and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
- Pulled Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie or slow cooker chicken.
Once prepped, toss chicken in ½ cup of your chosen BBQ sauce.
Creating the Creamy Mac N Cheese Base from Scratch
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar
- ½ cup smoked gouda
- Salt, pepper, paprika
Instructions:
- Cook macaroni until al dente.
- In another pan, melt butter, add flour, stir for 2 mins.
- Add milk slowly, whisk until thick.
- Add cheese, seasonings, and cooked pasta.
- Combine with BBQ chicken.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 mins, top with more cheese if desired.
Popular Cooking Techniques to Try
One-Pot Stovetop Method vs Oven-Baked Perfection
For quick prep, make it stovetop style: cook the pasta, mix in cheese sauce and chicken, and serve hot. Prefer crispy tops? Bake the mixture with a breadcrumb and cheese topping until golden.
Smoked BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese: Worth the Effort?
Absolutely. If you have a smoker, cook the entire dish in a cast-iron pan on low smoke heat. It enhances the BBQ flavor and adds a rustic texture unmatched by ovens.
Best Pairings and Side Dishes for a Complete Meal
Perfect Sides: Coleslaw, Cornbread, or Grilled Veggies
Balance the richness of BBQ chicken mac n cheese with tangy coleslaw, sweet cornbread, or char-grilled asparagus. These contrast textures and flavors for a complete Southern-style meal.
Drinks That Pair Well with BBQ Mac N Cheese
Try iced tea with lemon, craft beer (IPA or lager), or a simple lemonade. Wine lovers? A chilled Riesling or light red complements the smoky flavors.
Looking for energy-boosting sides? Discover our Delicious Coffee Loophole Recipe
Creative Twists and Variations
Spicy Jalapeño BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese
Add sliced jalapeños or pepper jack cheese to spice things up. Drizzle extra hot BBQ sauce before baking for fire-lovers.
Bacon, Ranch, or Buffalo Add-Ons for Extra Punch
Mix in crumbled bacon, a dollop of ranch dressing, or swirl in buffalo sauce for exciting variations. Garnish with green onions or cilantro for a gourmet finish.
Tips for Meal Prep and Storage
How to Store and Reheat Without Losing Texture
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven with a splash of milk covered in foil to avoid drying out.
Freezing Tips and Shelf-Life for Homemade Batches
Freeze before baking for best results. Thaw overnight and bake fresh. Lasts 2 months in freezer. Label with date to track freshness.
Healthier Alternatives and Dietary Swaps
Using Cauliflower or Gluten-Free Pasta Options
Swap traditional pasta with cauliflower florets or gluten-free noodles for dietary needs. Add more veggies like peas or spinach for added nutrients.
Low-Fat Cheese and Lean Chicken Swaps
Use part-skim mozzarella and grilled chicken breast for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Skip extra cheese topping to cut fat.
FAQs: BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese
Is barbecue sauce in mac and cheese good?
Yes, especially when balanced with creamy cheese. It adds a tangy, smoky layer that complements the richness.
Does BBQ and cheese go together?
Absolutely! Cheese mellows the tang of BBQ sauce while enhancing flavor.
Can you mix chicken with mac and cheese?
Definitely. It adds protein and turns a side dish into a main course.
Do you put barbecue sauce on chicken before or after baking?
Both work, but brushing on sauce during the last 10 minutes of baking helps caramelize and intensify the flavor.
Conclusion: BBQ Chicken Mac N Cheese
BBQ chicken mac n cheese isn’t just a meal—it’s a celebration of flavor, texture, and culinary creativity. With endless ways to customize and elevate it, this dish belongs in your comfort food rotation.
Don’t miss our collection of reader-favorite comfort food recipes like… Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe