Name: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lb chicken breasts, sliced in half; ½ tsp salt (more as needed); ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp chipotle powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp oil; ⅓ cup barbecue sauce (more as needed); 2 Tbsp Frank's Red Hot or any buffalo sauce (optional); 12 oz box medium-sized shell pasta (about 2 cups dry; gluten-free pasta can be substituted); 4 Tbsp butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour); ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp pepper; ½ tsp chipotle powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; 1½ cups milk (any kind; chicken broth can also be used); ½ cup water (or chicken broth); ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 46 reviews

If you are looking for a hearty, soul-warming dish that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with smoky, spicy chicken flavor, the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This crowd-pleaser brings together tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy barbecue and hot sauce, perfectly contrasted by a rich, velvety three-cheese sauce layered over tender pasta shells. Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is bursting with flavors and textures that make every bite pure comfort food bliss.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several ingredients neatly arranged on a white marbled surface. There is a white round plate with three pieces of raw chicken seasoned with black pepper at the bottom left. Above it, a metal measuring cup holds white flour. To the left of the cup, a block of pale yellow pepper jack cheese with some pieces broken off is placed. Next to the cheese, a small white bowl contains bright red hot sauce. To the right side, a clear glass bowl is filled with uncooked yellow macaroni shells. Below it, a white bowl holds shredded orange cheddar cheese. A small glass cup near the cheese contains golden olive oil. Above the chicken plate, there is a white square dish with four different seasonings, showing mixed powdered spices of red, white, and green colors. In the center, a metal cup filled with white milk is visible. Below the milk, a small white bowl contains a dark brown BBQ sauce. On the top left near the cheese, there is a stick of pale yellow butter. All the ingredients are spread out separately on the white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role: the spices bring warmth, the cheese adds creaminess, and the chicken provides a smoky, spicy punch that elevates this mac and cheese to a meal on its own.

Chicken breasts (1½ lb): Sliced in half for even cooking and tender shredding.

Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the natural flavors of chicken and sauce—adjust to taste.
Pepper (½ tsp): Adds a subtle heat that complements the smoky notes.
Chipotle powder (½ tsp): Infuses a smoky, spicy depth that's essential for the BBQ vibe.

Garlic powder (½ tsp): Delivers a fragrant layer of classic savory flavor.
Oil (1 tsp): Used to sear the chicken and lock in moisture.
Barbecue sauce (⅓ cup): The heart of the recipe, rich and tangy—it’s what transforms simple chicken into BBQ chicken.

Frank's Red Hot or buffalo sauce (2 Tbsp, optional): For those who like to turn up the heat with spicy buffalo notes.
Shell pasta (12 oz / about 2 cups dry): Medium-sized shells hold sauce and chicken perfectly—gluten-free works great too.
Butter (4 Tbsp): Creates the luscious base of the cheese sauce.

All purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection; gluten-free flour can be substituted.
Salt & pepper (½ teaspoon each): Balances and brightens the cheese sauce.
Chipotle powder & garlic powder (½ teaspoon each): Maintain the smoky, garlicky flavor throughout the dish.

Milk (1½ cup): Any milk of choice or even chicken broth keeps the sauce silky and smooth.
Water (½ cup): Adds the right amount of liquid to balance the sauce’s thickness.
Cheddar cheese (¾ cup, shredded): Sharp and creamy for that classic mac and cheese taste.

Pepper jack cheese (½ cup, shredded): Introduces a little kick and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

Start by slicing the chicken breasts in half for quick, even cooking. Season both sides with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder for that smoky, spiced character. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat, add oil, then cook the chicken about 8-10 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Let the chicken rest briefly to retain juices, then shred or chop it finely. Toss the warm chicken with barbecue sauce and, if you like a kick, a little buffalo sauce for extra oomph.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, boil your pasta shells according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside. The shells’ shape is perfect for trapping that creamy cheese sauce in every nook.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same large pot, melt butter over medium-low heat and whisk in flour to create a smooth roux. Sprinkle in salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder to layer in flavor. Gradually whisk in milk and water, bringing the mixture to a simmer until thickened to the perfect creamy consistency. Reduce heat and stir in your shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and velvety.

Step 4: Combine and Bake (Optional)

Mix the cooked pasta and BBQ-coated shredded chicken into the cheese sauce, combining everything thoroughly for an even, flavor-packed dish. You can serve it right away for a creamy, stovetop mac and cheese or take it to the next level by transferring the mixture to a 9x9 casserole dish. Add extra shredded cheddar on top and drizzle some barbecue sauce for a delicious glaze. Bake in a 400ºF oven for 15 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a four-step cooking process. In step one, there is a white round plate with many pieces of cooked chicken, light golden with some brown edges, layered closely together filling the plate. Step two shows shredded chicken covered in a reddish sauce in a clear glass bowl with two metal spoons resting inside. Step three is a white pot with golden handles, containing a light yellow creamy sauce being mixed with a teal whisk that has a rose gold handle. Step four shows the same white pot filled with cooked pasta shells mixed with the shredded chicken and creamy sauce, with a wooden spoon inside and some kitchen towels underneath, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finish your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh herbal contrast or a dusting of smoked paprika to amp up the smoky flavor. Crumbled crispy bacon or sliced green onions also add wonderful texture and taste.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese pairs perfectly with simple sides like a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables that can cut through the richness. For an indulgent combo, serve with cornbread or baked beans for that all-American BBQ feel.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this mac and cheese in individual ramekins topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust for a fancy twist, or turn it into stuffed bell peppers or baked potatoes for a fun, shareable meal. It’s a versatile dish that lends itself to lots of creative plating ideas.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld and deepen after a day, making for even tastier reheated portions.

Freezing

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk or water to bring back the creamy sauce consistency. Stir frequently to warm evenly and avoid drying out the chicken and pasta.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly when tossed with the BBQ sauce for that signature flavor.

What type of barbecue sauce is best for this dish?

Choose a thick, smoky barbecue sauce with a balance of sweet and tangy notes. You can customize the heat level by adding buffalo sauce or extra chipotle powder as preferred.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the milk with unsweetened plant-based milk and use dairy-free shredded cheese alternatives to maintain creaminess without dairy.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely. Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute to thicken the sauce, and you’ll have a delicious gluten-free version of the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe.

How spicy is this mac and cheese?

The spice level is mild to moderate, thanks to the chipotle and optional buffalo sauce, but you can easily adjust it by reducing or increasing these ingredients to suit your taste buds.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like curling up with a comforting plate of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe to satisfy your cravings for something rich, creamy, and delightfully smoky. Whether you make it weeknight simple or dress it up for guests, this recipe is sure to become a beloved go-to. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness that only this delicious blend of barbecue and mac and cheese can bring to your table!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need