Go Back
–+ servings
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with parsley on top.

Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

A comforting fusion of creamy mac and cheese with smoky, tender BBQ chicken baked to golden perfection.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 531
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lb chicken breasts halved for quicker cooking
  • ¾ teaspoon salt or to taste
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground preferred
  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika adds smoky flavor
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder optional for extra depth
  • 1 teaspoon olive oil for searing chicken
  • ½ cup barbecue sauce use your favorite brand
  • 2 tablespoon buffalo sauce optional for a spicy kick
  • 16 oz medium shell pasta about 2½ cups dry; gluten-free works too
  • 5 tablespoon unsalted butter for sauce
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
  • ¾ teaspoon salt for sauce
  • ¾ teaspoon black pepper for sauce
  • ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika for sauce
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder for sauce
  • 2 cups milk any kind; chicken broth can substitute
  • ⅔ cup water or chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar adds rich flavor
  • ¾ cup shredded pepper jack for subtle heat

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Add the chicken to the hot skillet and cook for 8–10 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
  4. Remove the chicken and let rest for 2 minutes before shredding.
  5. Combine the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and optional buffalo sauce in a large bowl.
  6. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente.
  7. Drain the pasta and return the pot to medium-low heat.
  8. Melt butter in the pot, then whisk in flour until smooth.
  9. Add seasonings, milk, and water; stir constantly and bring to a gentle simmer.
  10. Fold in shredded cheddar and pepper jack until melted and creamy.
  11. Stir in the cooked pasta and BBQ chicken until fully combined.
  12. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×9 baking dish.
  13. Optional: sprinkle extra cheddar and drizzle barbecue sauce over the top.
  14. Bake in a preheated oven at 400ºF for 15 minutes until slightly golden.
  15. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 531kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 41gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4.2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 106mgSodium: 880mgPotassium: 730mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 505IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 285mgIron: 2.1mg

Notes

This creamy, smoky mac and cheese hits all the comfort food cravings. Perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in, and leftovers taste just as dreamy the next day!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!