BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Name: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 cups pulled BBQ chicken; 1 cup milk; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Chopped green onions; Extra BBQ sauce

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

Transform your dinner game with this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe! Featuring tender pulled chicken smothered in zesty barbecue sauce, creamy cheddar cheese, and al dente pasta, this comforting dish is perfect for a family night or gathering. Cooked effortlessly in your crockpot, it's a hassle-free meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.

Created by

Lila Morgan

Last updated on 2025-11-29T16:20:08.753Z

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines classic comfort foods into an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish.

A Perfect Family Meal

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is an exceptional dish that brings the family together around the dinner table. It combines the rich flavors of barbecue chicken with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese, creating a comfort food experience that is both satisfying and delicious. This recipe is easy to prepare, making it an excellent option for a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend gathering with loved ones.

What sets this meal apart is its ability to cater to different taste preferences while remaining universally appealing. The tender pulled chicken is coated in zesty barbecue sauce, offering a delightful contrast to the smooth, melty cheese. Children and adults alike will find something to enjoy, making this dish a fantastic choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

Effortless Cooking in a Crockpot

One of the standout features of this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is that it is cooked in a crockpot. This means you can set it and forget it, allowing you to focus on other tasks or spend quality time with your family while the dish slowly develops its flavors. A crockpot is perfect for absorbing the aromas and melding the ingredients together, resulting in a dish that almost cooks itself.

Simply combine all the ingredients in the crockpot and let it do the hard work for you. The low and slow cooking process ensures that the cheese becomes perfectly creamy, and the flavors marry beautifully, creating a dish that is rich in taste and comforting in texture.

Versatile Serving Options

Serving BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese can be as simple or as creative as you like. It’s delicious on its own, but you can elevate the presentation by adding garnishes such as freshly chopped green onions or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for an added zing. Such touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute additional layers of flavor that complement the dish beautifully.

This meal pairs well with a variety of sides like garlic bread, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad, allowing you to create a well-rounded dinner experience. You could even serve it in individual portions using oven-safe dishes, adding a personal touch to your dining setup.

Ingredients

For the mac and cheese

1 pound elbow macaroni
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups pulled BBQ chicken
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For serving

Chopped green onions
Extra BBQ sauce

Mix well to combine all ingredients and ensure the pasta is evenly coated.

Instructions

Prepare the pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Combine ingredients in the crockpot

In a large crockpot, combine the cooked macaroni, pulled chicken, cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Cook on low

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and creamy.

Serve

Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a drizzle of additional BBQ sauce if desired.

Enjoy this delicious, comforting meal!

Tips for the Best Results

To achieve the best texture in your mac and cheese, ensure you cook the elbow macaroni just until al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy during the lengthy cooking process in the crockpot. If you prefer a bit of crunch, consider topping your mac and cheese with breadcrumbs before serving and placing it under the broiler for a few minutes.

Using a combination of cheese can add depth to the flavor profile. Try blending sharp cheddar with pepper jack or mozzarella for an extra kick or creaminess. This simple tweak can elevate your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese from a homey dish to a gourmet delight.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will continue to meld, often making the leftovers even more flavorful. To reheat, simply use a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk or extra cheese to restore creaminess.

Freezing is another option for longer storage. Split the mac and cheese into portion-size containers before freezing. When ready to eat, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly to enjoy a warm, comforting meal at your convenience.

Customization Ideas

Feel free to experiment with different proteins in this recipe. Shredded beef or pulled pork can be delicious alternatives to chicken, providing unique flavors and textures. Vegetarian options are also easily achievable by swapping out meat for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even a mix of bell peppers and corn.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding jalapeños directly into the mixture or topping off your serving with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. The versatility of this recipe encourages creativity, allowing each cook to make it their own.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a mix of your favorite cheeses such as mozzarella or gouda.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken and replace it with grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.