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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Caroline

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

This rich and smoky BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender chunks of BBQ chicken with a creamy three-cheese sauce and golden panko topping. The perfect blend of comfort food and backyard barbecue flavor!
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 10 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, BBQ
Calories: 640
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp nutmeg (optional)
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional)
  • 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1.5 cups BBQ sauce
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 0.25 cup melted butter
  • 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 0.25 cup cooked, crumbled bacon

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • saucepan or Dutch oven
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • 9×13-inch baking dish (if baking)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into cubes and season with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet until browned and cooked through (7–10 minutes). Stir in BBQ sauce and simmer briefly.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk while whisking until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in seasonings and cheese until melted.
  4. Combine: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce. Fold in BBQ chicken.
  5. Bake (Optional): Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Combine panko and melted butter; sprinkle on top with bacon and parsley. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best texture and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the macaroni; it will continue cooking when baked.
  • For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes after baking.
  • Customize the flavor by trying different BBQ sauces or adding a touch of hot sauce for spice.