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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese dish topped with barbecue sauce and cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy, and smoky twist on traditional mac and cheese, packed with tender chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce—perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded Use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Choose your favorite brand.
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 cups milk Can use plant-based milk for a dairy-free option.
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits

Method
 

Cooking Macaroni
  1. Boil water in a large pot and add a pinch of salt. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Making Cheese Sauce
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux—cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
  2. Gradually add the milk while continuously whisking to prevent lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce. Pour your cheese sauce over the mixture and stir well to combine everything evenly.
Final Touch and Serving
  1. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or simply serve it right away! Top with optional garnishes like green onions or bacon bits for added texture and flavor.

Notes

For a tangy twist, substitute your usual BBQ sauce with a chipotle BBQ or add crushed garlic for additional depth of flavor. Avoid overcooking the pasta for ideal texture.