If you’re craving the ultimate comfort dish that blends creamy indulgence with smoky heat, barbecue chicken mac and cheese is the answer. This hearty recipe combines tender BBQ-coated chicken with creamy, melty cheese and shell pasta in one unforgettable meal. Whether baked or served straight from the stove, this barbecue chicken mac and cheese recipe brings bold flavors to your table. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes it so special, how to cook it, why it works so well—and answer your most searched questions about it. Let’s start with the story that inspired this smoky, cheesy favorite.
A cozy bowl of barbecue chicken mac and cheese topped with fresh herbs and smoky sauce
Why Barbecue Chicken Mac and Cheese Belongs on Every Table
The story behind smoky, cheesy comfort
Growing up, weekends meant two favorites at our table—tangy barbecue chicken and my mom’s rich mac and cheese. One night, after hosting a BBQ dinner, we had some leftovers and a half-box of pasta. That’s when the idea struck: combine the two into one big bowl of barbecue chicken mac and cheese.
What came out of that spontaneous mix was pure joy—smoky shredded chicken tossed with our favorite barbecue sauce, folded into creamy, peppery cheese pasta. It became an instant family tradition. Today, this dish still brings everyone together, much like our Hawaiian BBQ chicken or buffalo chipotle rub dinners.
How this cheesy BBQ twist became our weeknight go-to
Besides being delicious, barbecue chicken mac and cheese is weeknight-friendly. It’s quick, flexible, and packs all the comfort you want in one dish. Whether using grilled chicken or rotisserie, the BBQ flavor soaks right in. The creamy cheese sauce—made with cheddar and pepper jack—melds beautifully with that sweet-spicy chicken.
For extra kick, we use chipotle powder and a splash of hot sauce. You can even customize the cheese or pasta shape. I’ve served this alongside vinegar-based barbecue sauce or as a baked dish with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top. However you plate it, barbecue chicken mac and cheese is always a hit.
Creative Ways to Customize Barbecue Chicken Mac and Cheese
Everything you need to make barbecue chicken mac and cheese from scratch
Creamy, cheesy, smoky, and spicy—all in one dish. This barbecue chicken mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food made with bold BBQ flavors, melty cheese, and tender chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
BBQ Chicken:
1½ lb chicken breasts, sliced in half
½ tsp salt, plus more to taste
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chipotle powder
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oil
⅓ cup barbecue sauce, more as needed
2 Tbsp hot sauce (optional)
Mac and Cheese:
12 oz medium pasta shells (about 2 cups dry)
4 Tbsp butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
½ tsp salt & pepper
½ tsp chipotle powder
½ tsp garlic powder
1½ cups milk (any kind, or chicken broth)
½ cup water (or broth)
¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
1. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 8–10 minutes per side until it reaches 165ºF.
3. Remove from heat, let rest, then shred or chop. Toss with barbecue sauce and hot sauce if using. Set aside.
4. Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. In the same pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook 1 minute.
6. Add salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder. Gradually whisk in milk and water. Simmer until thickened.
7. Stir in shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted.
8. Add pasta and shredded BBQ chicken. Mix until coated.
9. (Optional) Transfer to a 9×9 casserole dish. Top with extra cheese and BBQ sauce. Bake at 400ºF for 15 minutes until bubbly.
10. Garnish with cilantro or green onions. Serve hot.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick version.
Gluten-free pasta and flour work just as well.
Swap in smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for fun variations.
Add cooked bacon or jalapeños for extra heat and crunch.
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop + Oven
Cuisine:American BBQ Fusion
Nutrition
Serving Size:1 cup
Calories:529
Sugar:10g
Sodium:875mg
Fat:15g
Saturated Fat:7g
Unsaturated Fat:5g
Trans Fat:0.02g
Carbohydrates:57g
Fiber:2g
Protein:40g
Cholesterol:104mg
One of the best things about barbecue chicken mac and cheese is how easy it is to tweak. Whether you’re out of shells or want a gluten-free version, this dish adapts beautifully. You can swap the pasta for elbow macaroni, rotini, or even gluten-free chickpea pasta. All hold the creamy sauce well and give a great bite.
Don’t have chicken breasts? Use rotisserie chicken or boneless thighs instead. If you’re in a time crunch, store-bought shredded chicken tossed in barbecue sauce works like a charm. When it comes to cheese, mix it up. Sharp cheddar is classic, but gouda or smoked mozzarella adds even more depth—like we do in our Asian barbecue sauce pairing recipe.
Need a dairy-free version? Try oat milk, vegan butter, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. The creamy texture still shines, and the barbecue sauce adds that signature tang to balance everything out.
Flavor boosters and add-ins you’ll love
To take your barbecue chicken mac and cheese to the next level, try adding extras that bring texture and heat. Diced jalapeños, green onions, or chopped cilantro are fantastic toppers. Want something heartier? Stir in some cooked crumbled bacon or smoked sausage for a Southern spin, inspired by our Texas BBQ sausage recipe.
A smoky paprika or cayenne sprinkle adds extra warmth, while a breadcrumb topping before baking gives that golden crust everyone fights over. You can even drizzle more BBQ sauce on top before baking to deepen the flavor and give it that signature sticky finish.
This dish also works beautifully in a casserole. Just add everything to a baking dish, layer on shredded cheese, and bake until bubbly. It’s ideal for game day, potlucks, or cozy weekends with the family.
How to Make Barbecue Chicken Mac and Cheese at Home
Ingredients you’ll need
To make this rich, smoky barbecue chicken mac and cheese, you’ll need:
For the BBQ Chicken:
1½ lb chicken breasts, sliced in half
½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp chipotle powder
½ tsp garlic powder
1 tsp oil
⅓ cup barbecue sauce (plus more for drizzling)
2 Tbsp hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot, optional for heat)
For the Mac and Cheese:
12 oz medium pasta shells (about 2 cups dry; gluten-free works too)
1. Cook and shred the chicken Grab a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast iron pan and heat 1 tsp oil over medium-high heat. Season your halved chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chipotle powder.
Place chicken in the hot skillet and cook for about 8–10 minutes per side, or until internal temp reaches 165ºF, as recommended in the USDA’s food safety chart. Let rest for 2 minutes, then shred or chop. Toss with ⅓ cup barbecue sauce and optional hot sauce. Set aside.
2. Boil the pasta Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the shell pasta according to the package. Drain and set aside.
Chicken seasoned and cooked in BBQ sauce for the mac and cheese
3. Make the cheese sauce In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute. Add garlic powder, chipotle powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually pour in the milk and water while whisking.
Bring to a simmer and stir until slightly thickened. Lower the heat and stir in both shredded cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce Add the drained pasta and BBQ chicken to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat everything.
Stirring together melty cheese sauce, pasta, and BBQ chicken
5. Optional baking step For an oven-finished version, pour the mix into a greased 9×9″ casserole dish. Sprinkle with extra cheddar and drizzle barbecue sauce on top. Bake at 400ºF for 15 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool slightly before serving.
6. Garnish and serve Top with chopped cilantro, green onions, or jalapeños if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the bold, comforting flavor of homemade barbecue chicken mac and cheese.
Cooking & Serving Barbecue Chicken Mac and Cheese Like a Pro
Stovetop vs. baked—what’s better?
Serving a hearty spoonful of baked barbecue chicken mac and cheese
You’ve got two great options when it comes to preparing barbecue chicken mac and cheese: stovetop or baked. The stovetop method is fast, creamy, and ultra-satisfying. After tossing the pasta, cheese sauce, and BBQ-coated chicken together, it’s ready to serve—ideal for busy weeknights.
But if you want something a little more indulgent, baking is the way to go. After mixing everything in the pot, transfer it to a greased baking dish, sprinkle more cheese on top, and drizzle extra barbecue sauce. Bake at 400ºF for about 15 minutes until bubbling and golden. This version develops a deeper BBQ flavor and gives the top a delicious crust.
If you’re a fan of bold and spicy sauces like our Cajun BBQ blend, you can incorporate those flavors before baking for a Southern heat twist. Baked or not, both approaches let the creamy-cheesy BBQ combo shine.
How to serve it (and what goes well on the side)
Barbecue chicken mac and cheese is rich and bold, so pairing it with the right sides makes the meal even better. Lighten things up with a fresh green salad, vinegar slaw, or grilled veggies. If you’re hosting a cookout or game day, serve it alongside corn on the cob or baked beans.
For presentation, sprinkle chopped cilantro, scallions, or crushed red pepper on top. Serve it in bowls or mini cast iron skillets for a rustic, homey feel. This dish also reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Got a crowd coming over? Make a double batch and set up a “mac bar.” Offer extras like chopped bacon, jalapeños, crispy onions, or even a splash of our low-sodium BBQ sauce for guests to customize their bowls.
Whether served at a gathering or quiet dinner, barbecue chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort dish—with smoky BBQ, gooey cheese, and pasta all in one forkful.
Nutrition, Storage & Your Top BBQ Mac Questions Answered
Calories, macros & portion control
When it comes to comfort food, we often ask, “How heavy is this dish, really?” Luckily, barbecue chicken mac and cheese is not just indulgent—it can also be balanced. One serving (about 1 cup) delivers approximately 529 calories, 40g of protein, and 15g of fat, making it a hearty meal, especially after an active day.
The BBQ chicken adds lean protein, while the creamy cheese sauce contributes healthy fats and flavor. You can cut back on calories by using reduced-fat cheese, whole wheat or protein-packed pasta, and reducing the portion of butter or oil. Want a lighter BBQ option? Check out this smoked cauliflower steak recipe that complements this dish beautifully.
Plus, it’s easy to meal prep. Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can even freeze portions of barbecue chicken mac and cheese—just let it cool completely first.
Your BBQ chicken mac and cheese questions—answered
How many calories are in BBQ chicken mac and cheese? One homemade serving of barbecue chicken mac and cheese is approximately 529 kcal. This can vary based on your cheese type, BBQ sauce, and portion size. Want more control over sodium or sugar? Try our gluten-free barbecue sauce or a no-added-sugar version.
Does barbecue go well with mac and cheese? Absolutely! The smoky, tangy sweetness of barbecue sauce perfectly balances the rich, creamy texture of mac and cheese. It’s a bold combination that delivers comfort and punch in every bite.
Does cheese go well with barbecue chicken? Yes! Cheese enhances barbecue chicken beautifully. The sharpness of cheddar and the kick of pepper jack highlight the sweet and spicy notes of BBQ chicken, making it a flavor-packed pairing.
How many calories in a BBQ chicken mac and cheese from Noodles and Company? Their BBQ chicken mac and cheese clocks in around 790–830 calories per regular serving. It’s higher due to added toppings and creamy sauce. A homemade version lets you control ingredients and portions for a healthier twist.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about the way barbecue chicken mac and cheese brings people together. It’s the smoky, saucy chicken mingling with creamy, spicy cheese that makes each bite unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding a family, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, this dish delivers comfort and flavor in every forkful.
Now that you’ve seen how customizable and satisfying this dish can be—from stovetop simplicity to baked casserole indulgence—you’re ready to make it your own. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a repeat favorite on your weekly menu.
