If you love creamy mac and cheese and crave the bold, smoky flavor of BBQ chicken this recipe is your sweet spot. This Skillet BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake is rich, melty, and bubbling with cheesy goodness, all topped with juicy BBQ-glazed chicken and baked until golden and irresistible.
It’s the kind of cozy, family-style meal that brings everyone to the table. Weeknight comfort? Check. Game day hero? Absolutely. It’s a one-pan wonder you’ll want to make again and again.
What Is BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake?
This dish is a mash-up of two classic comfort foods: mac and cheese + BBQ chicken. Creamy elbow macaroni is coated in a rich cheese sauce, topped with chopped or sliced BBQ chicken (rotisserie or grilled both work!), and baked until hot and bubbly with just the right amount of caramelized edges.
All of it comes together in one skillet or baking dish, making cleanup easy and the presentation extra inviting.
Why You’ll Love It
- Smoky + cheesy = flavor bomb
- One-pan meal: Cook and bake it all in one skillet
- Perfect for feeding a hungry crowd
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and BBQ sauces
- Leftovers? Even better the next day!
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine forkfuls of ultra-creamy mac and cheese with sweet and smoky BBQ chicken in every bite. The tangy BBQ cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce perfectly. The top gets golden and just a little crispy, while the bottom stays luscious and cheesy. Every bite is comforting, satisfying, and packed with bold flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ¾ cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ¼ cup cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups cooked BBQ chicken (grilled, shredded, or rotisserie tossed in BBQ sauce)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (plus more for topping)
- Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Oven-safe skillet or baking dish
- Saucepan (if making cheese sauce separately)
- Whisk and spoon
- Oven mitts
Additions & Substitutions
- Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, gouda, or pepper jack.
- Add crispy bacon or sautéed onions for extra depth.
- Use rotini, shells, or penne instead of elbows.
- Make it spicy with chipotle BBQ sauce or cayenne.
- For gluten-free: use GF pasta and a 1:1 GF flour for roux.
How to Make Skillet BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake
- Cook the Pasta: Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large oven-safe skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in the Pasta: Add cooked macaroni and mix until fully coated in cheese sauce.
- Add the Chicken: Layer BBQ chicken on top of the mac. Drizzle extra BBQ sauce over the chicken.
- Bake: Transfer skillet to a 375°F oven and bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm!
What to Serve With BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- A crisp green salad with ranch or vinaigrette
- Cornbread or dinner rolls
- Roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans
- Pickles or coleslaw to cut the richness
Tips for Success
- Grate your own cheese it melts better and makes the sauce smoother.
- Don’t overcook the pasta it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Use pre-cooked chicken tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce for a shortcut.
- Broil for the last 1–2 minutes for a golden crust.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
This dish also freezes well — freeze in individual portions for easy grab-and-reheat meals!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Can I use store-bought BBQ chicken?
Absolutely — rotisserie chicken mixed with BBQ sauce works perfectly.
What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?
Go with your favorite — smoky, spicy, sweet, or tangy all work well with the creamy cheese.
Can I make this without baking it?
You can! Just heat the cheesy pasta and BBQ chicken in a skillet until warmed through — no oven required.
Conclusion
This Skillet BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake is comfort food with a bold twist creamy, cheesy, smoky, and baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or anytime you need something warm and hearty on the table.
Nutrition Info (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 460
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbs: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Skillet BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
This Skillet BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food creamy mac and cheese topped with smoky BBQ chicken, baked until bubbly and golden. A one-pan, flavor-packed dinner the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- – 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni
– 2 tbsp butter
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
– 1 ¾ cups milk
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– ½ cup shredded mozzarella
– ¼ cup cream cheese (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 ½ cups cooked BBQ chicken (shredded or diced)
– ½ cup BBQ sauce
– Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In an oven-safe skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux.
3. Slowly add milk, whisking until thickened. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
4. Add cooked macaroni and stir to coat in cheese sauce.
5. Top with BBQ chicken and drizzle extra BBQ sauce on top.
6. Bake for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
– Use freshly shredded cheese for a creamier sauce.
– Rotisserie chicken tossed in BBQ sauce makes a great shortcut.
– Add bacon or jalapeños for extra flavor!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet + Oven-Baked
Keywords: bbq chicken mac and cheese, skillet mac and cheese bake, creamy mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, one pan dinner, cheesy pasta bake
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