BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheddar mac and cheese with smoky, sweet barbecue chicken in a bubbly, oven-baked casserole. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings, this easy, cheesy recipe is a kid-friendly, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as indulgent as it is satisfying.
Ingredients
- Core Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce your favorite flavor: smoky, sweet, or spicy
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp recommended
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2½ cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers optional for topping
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Jalapeño slices for heat
- Caramelized onions
- Fresh parsley or scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk. Once slightly thickened, add garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Toss Chicken with BBQ Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
- Combine Everything:
- In a large bowl, mix pasta with cheese sauce and BBQ chicken. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.
- Top and Bake:
- Sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella over top. Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers if desired.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- For extra richness, stir in cream cheese or a touch of sour cream.
- Want more spice? Use spicy BBQ sauce or add hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 1 day in advance and bake when ready.