Creamy BBQ chicken mac and cheese topped with crispy breadcrumbs and barbecue sauce.

Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

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Why Make This Recipe

Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort food to a whole new level. This dish marries the classic taste of macaroni and cheese with the smoky, sweet essence of BBQ chicken. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering where you need a hearty dish that everyone will love. With creamy cheese and tender chicken mixed with pasta, this recipe satisfies cravings and warms the soul.

How to Make Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Making Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is simple and fun! Follow these steps to create a dish that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

To prepare this delicious dish, gather the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: breadcrumbs for topping

Directions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your dish bakes evenly and properly.

  2. Cook the Elbow Macaroni: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.

  3. Combine Ingredients: In the same pot (or a large mixing bowl), combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and milk. Use a spoon or spatula to stir everything together until the mixture is well combined and the cheese has melted.

  4. Season: Taste the mixture and season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. Remember that the BBQ sauce may already have salt, so adjust carefully.

  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Next, transfer the creamy mixture into a baking dish. If you like a crunchy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the mixture.

  6. Bake: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, along with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How to Serve Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese can be served as a main dish or a filling side. It pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or some crispy garlic bread. You can also add some extra toppings like chopped green onions or extra shredded cheese for that added flavor and crunch.

How to Store Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

To store any leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it. Place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm it up in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

  1. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is an excellent way to use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. It makes the dish even easier and quicker to prepare!

  2. Mix Cheese Varieties: While cheddar cheese is classic, feel free to mix it with other cheese varieties. Try adding mozzarella for extra meltiness or gouda for a smoky flavor.

  3. Spice It Up: For those who enjoy some heat, consider adding diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or even a dash of cayenne pepper to give your dish a spicy kick.

  4. Make It Veggie-Friendly: If you want a vegetarian version, you can easily omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to enhance nutrition and flavor.

Variation

While this recipe is tasty as is, there are many ways to customize it. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

  • Buffalo Chicken Mac: Swap out BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce and add some crumbled blue cheese for a zesty twist.

  • Pesto Mac: Incorporate pesto instead of BBQ sauce for an herbaceous flavor that is equally creamy and delicious.

  • Texas Style: Add cooked bacon bits to give it a smoky crunch, making it a Texan favorite.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice, you can use any pasta shape you prefer such as shells, penne, or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.

2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep. Portion it out for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Simply cover it with foil and bake it when you are ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

4. What type of BBQ sauce should I use?

Use any BBQ sauce that suits your taste! Whether you prefer a sweet, smoky, or spicy BBQ sauce, each will give your dish a different flavor profile. Feel free to experiment with homemade or store-bought options.

By following this detailed guide, you can whip up a delectable batch of Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that will win over everyone’s hearts and taste buds. Happy cooking!

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creamy bbq chicken mac and cheese 2026 02 12 215243 1

Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

  • Author: lily
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Print Recipe

Description

A delightful blend of macaroni and cheese with smoky BBQ chicken, perfect for family dinners and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large pot or mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and milk. Mix well until combined and cheese is melted.
  4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

This dish can be customized with various cheese types and toppings. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add more vegetables.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, BBQ chicken, comfort food, casserole, pasta dish, family meal

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