BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Sharing is caring!

BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

There’s something undeniably comforting about a skillet full of cheesy, gooey pasta, and this BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese has quickly become a go-to dinner in our household. It was born out of one of those “what’s-left-in-the-fridge” nights—some leftover shredded rotisserie chicken, half a bottle of barbecue sauce, and the ever-reliable box of elbow macaroni. I threw them together with a generous handful of cheese, popped it in the oven, and honestly? It was magic.

The first time I served it, my husband looked up mid-bite and said, “Please tell me this is going into the weekly rotation.” And my kids? Let’s just say there were no leftovers. What I love most is how it brings the tangy, smoky flavor of BBQ together with the creamy, melty goodness of mac & cheese. It’s that perfect balance of savory and sweet that feels indulgent without being complicated.

It’s now one of those dishes I rely on when I want to make something special without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether we’re having a laid-back Sunday dinner, or I need something quick after soccer practice, this recipe always delivers. I’ve tested and tweaked it until it’s just right—super satisfying, full of flavor, and simple enough for any busy weeknight. And honestly, seeing everyone go back for seconds (and thirds!) is all the confirmation I need that this one’s a keeper.

Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s actually one of my favorite shortcuts for this dish. Just shred and toss it in.

What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Go with a sweet and smoky sauce for that classic flavor, but feel free to use whatever your family loves.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely. Assemble everything, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when you’re ready to serve—just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time.

Is it freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze it before baking. Cover it well, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini all work great—just make sure it’s cooked al dente.

What You Need to Make BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Ingredients:

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)

8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)

1 ½ cups BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

½ cup whole milk

2 tbsp butter

1 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Tools You’ll Need:

Large pot for boiling pasta

Oven-safe skillet or casserole dish

Mixing bowl

Spoon or spatula

Cheese grater (if grating fresh cheese)

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Cook the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the cheese sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and stir until warm. Mix in 1 ½ cups of mozzarella and all of the cheddar. Stir until melted and smooth.

Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly.

Transfer to skillet: Pour the mixture into an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish. Drizzle the remaining ½ cup BBQ sauce on top, then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup mozzarella cheese.

Bake it up: Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly browned.

Garnish and serve: Let it cool for a few minutes, then top with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm!

Tips for Making the Best BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Shred your own cheese – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so if you have a few extra minutes, it’s worth it.

Use al dente pasta – It’ll finish cooking in the oven, so don’t overcook it in the pot.

Don’t skip the drizzle – That extra BBQ sauce on top adds depth and visual appeal!

Add-ins welcome – Diced jalapeños, crispy bacon bits, or even caramelized onions take this dish up a notch.

Make it a meal – Serve with a simple green salad or steamed veggies to round out dinner.

Reader Reviews

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Absolutely delicious! The kids licked their plates clean, and my husband asked if we could have it again tomorrow!” – Jessica M.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Perfect for busy nights. I used rotisserie chicken and it came together so fast. Might add some heat next time!” – Emily R.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Creamy, smoky, cheesy goodness. This is the ultimate comfort food. Definitely going in my favorites!” – Hannah L.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Really tasty, though I used a different cheese blend and it got a little oily. Still a hit though!” – Megan T.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ “I made this for a family gathering and everyone raved about it. Super easy and totally satisfying.” – Laura B.

Printable Recipe

Before you print the recipe, could I ask you a favor? Please consider sharing this recipe on Facebook or pin to a group on Pinterest? This would really help us out. Thank you so much <3

If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on your social media! I would love for more people to try this delicious and easy-to-make recipe. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. I would love to hear from you! Shhh… Join our secret foodie group on Facebook

Crockpot White Russians

Crockpot Meatballs In Onion Gravy

Crockpot Apple Cider

Sharing is caring!