BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is an easy recipe made in 29 minutes. It combines the delicious flavors of BBQ chicken with creamy mac and cheese! This family friendly dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table!

BBQ Chicken mac and cheese in large oval casserole dish topped with fresh chopped cilantro

When it comes to creating new recipes for the blog, I love putting creative new twists on classic blog favorites.

The most popular recipe on the blog is Buffalo Chicken Cheesy Penne. I created this recipe in my first 6 months of blogging and it’s been a hit every year since! It’s simple, cheesy, pasta deliciousness. What’s not to love?

If you love BBQ Chicken Pizza (which, come on, who doesn’t?!) you’re going to love this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese!

The combination of creamy mozzarella cheese with BBQ chicken, equals winner, winner chicken mac and cheese for dinner! If you’re looking for a big bowl of comfort food, you’ve come to the right place!

Table of contents

Mac and cheese topped with bbq sauce and cilantro in large oval baking dish

Step by step instructions

  1. Cook macaroni noodles in a large pot of boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a separate large pot on the stove over medium high heat, add cream cheese and chicken broth. Whisk consistently until the cheese is melted and smooth.
  3. Reduce the heat to medium and add onion powder,  garlic powder, kosher salt and black pepper.
  4. Add shredded mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until the cheese has melted into the sauce.
  5. Add shredded chicken and barbecue sauce to the pot with the cooked macaroni noodles.
  6. Stir everything together, then transfer to a serving bowl and top with fresh cilantro.

Frequently asked questions

  • Can I make this recipe vegetarian? Yes! Simply omit the chicken. The cheesy BBQ sauce is so good on it’s own, you can definitely make the dish without the chicken. You’ll also want to substitute vegetable broth for the chicken broth.
  • Can I add vegetables to the recipe? Yes, instead of the cooked, shredded chicken, add some roasted veggies to the dish. Prior to starting the mac and cheese recipe, place veggies on a baking sheet. Broccoli and cauliflower florets or diced bell peppers and zucchini all work great. Drizzle the veggies with olive oil and top with salt and pepper. Place in a 400°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Toss the veggies into the dish at the end with the pasta.
  • Can I use pulled pork instead of shredded chicken? Yes! I highly recommend substituting in some of this Smoked Pulled Pork for the chicken. It pairs perfectly with this BBQ Mac and Cheese!
  • Can I make this recipe gluten free? Of course! Simply substitute gluten free macaroni noodles into the dish. While most chicken broths and BBQ sauces are gluten free, it’s always a good idea to check the labels to confirm.
  • How many calories are in this recipe? This recipe serves 4 people and is 748 calories per serving.
Mac and cheese in large oval baking dish, topped with bbq sauce, with a large serving spoon in the dish

More mac and cheese recipes to try

Can’t get enough mac and cheesiness in your life? Try these other delicious Mac and Cheese recipes!

Mac and cheese topped with bbq sauce and cilantro in oval casserole dish
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
4.75 stars (8 ratings)
Rate this Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is an easy recipe made in 29 minutes combining the delicious flavors of BBQ chicken with creamy mac and cheese!
Servings: 4 people
Prep Time: 29 mins
Total Time: 29 mins
Author: Whitney Bond
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 12 oz uncooked macaroni noodles
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups cooked & shredded boneless, skinless chicken breast
  • ½ cup bbq sauce
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro

Instructions

  • Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions, drain, then set aside.
  • While the noodles are cooking, add the cream cheese and chicken broth to a separate large pot on the stove, and bring to a boil.
  • Whisk consistently until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, and add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, combine well, then add the mozzarella cheese.
  • Stir continuously until the cheese has melted into the sauce, then add the chicken and bbq sauce.
  • Add the cooked macaroni noodles, stir to combine, then transfer to a serving bowl and top with the cilantro.

Notes

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken.  The cheesy BBQ sauce is so good on its own, you could definitely do it without chicken! Also, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Gluten Free Option: Substitute gluten-free macaroni noodles. Always make sure the chicken broth and BBQ sauce used is gluten-free.

Nutrition Facts

Serving 4gCalories 748kcal (37%)Carbohydrates 82g (27%)Protein 37g (74%)Fat 29g (45%)Saturated Fat 15g (75%)Cholesterol 132mg (44%)Sodium 1323mg (55%)Potassium 705mg (20%)Fiber 3g (12%)Sugar 16g (18%)Vitamin A 1065mg (21%)Vitamin C 5.2mg (6%)Calcium 234mg (23%)Iron 2.1mg (12%)
Did you make this recipe?Tag @WhitneyBond on Instagram and hashtag it #WBRecipes!

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.