Imagine the heartwarming comfort of homemade mac and cheese, then take it on a flavorful trip to your favorite backyard barbecue. Doesn’t that sound like the best of both worlds? That’s exactly what this BBQ Chicken Macaroni Bake is all about. It’s a hearty, family-friendly casserole that combines tender pasta, juicy shredded chicken, and a creamy, tangy BBQ sauce cheese sauce, all baked until golden and bubbly on top. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a big, comforting hug at the end of a long day.
Why You’ll Love This
You will love this recipe because it solves the eternal “what’s for dinner” question with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s also incredibly practical. It uses simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have, and it’s a fantastic way to turn a rotisserie chicken into a brand new, satisfying meal. The combination of smoky BBQ, creamy cheese, and tender pasta is just a total crowd-pleaser. So good.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds the sauce so well.
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded: A perfect use for leftover rotisserie chicken for an easy meal shortcut.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: To create a rich roux for our sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
- 3 cups whole milk: For a luxuriously creamy base.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Adds a savory depth to the sauce.
- 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce: The star flavor! Choose a smoky, sweet, or spicy one you love.
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Because what’s a bake without gooey, melted cheese?
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese: Adds a fantastic melty quality.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: For a little tang and extra creaminess.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: A flavor booster.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Another layer of savory goodness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: To season everything perfectly.
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions or buttery breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunchy topping.
Step-By-Step Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions until just al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, so you don’t want it too soft. Drain it and set it aside.
- While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until it’s fragrant and golden.
- Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in 2 cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the Monterey Jack cheese until the sauce is smooth and melted. Then, stir in the sour cream.
- Add the drained macaroni and shredded chicken to the pot. Gently fold everything together until it’s all evenly coated in that gorgeous sauce.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the crispy fried onions or breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the edges are bubbling happily.
- For an extra golden top, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes, but watch it closely! Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. It will be so, so hot.
Equipment Needed
You won’t need any fancy gear for this one! A large pot for boiling the pasta, a colander for draining, and a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for making the sauce are the main players. A 9×13 inch baking dish is essential, along with a whisk for your sauce and a wooden spoon for mixing everything together. That’s it!
Creative Variations
This recipe is a wonderful base for getting creative. For a veggie boost, stir in a cup of frozen peas and corn or some sautéed diced bell peppers when you mix the pasta and chicken. If you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas, you can use whole wheat pasta and a low-sugar BBQ sauce. To mimic a smoky bacon flavor without using pork, try stirring in a handful of finely chopped smoked turkey. For a little kick, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Honestly, if you hate heat, skip the cayenne altogether—it’ll still be delicious.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This bake is a full meal all by itself, but a simple, crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect partner to cut through the richness. But if you’re feeding a crowd or want to round out the table, some classic barbecue sides work beautifully. Think coleslaw, baked beans, or even some simple steamed green beans or broccoli. Garlic bread is never a wrong answer either.
Storage Tips
Leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, so when you reheat it, it might benefit from a tiny splash of milk or broth to bring back its creamy consistency. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
Make-Ahead & Freezer
This is a fantastic make-ahead meal! You can assemble the entire casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven—you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold. To freeze, assemble the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
FAQs
- Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely! Any short pasta shape like cavatappi, shells, or penne will work just fine in this recipe.
- What’s the best way to shred chicken? For the easiest shredded chicken recipes, use two forks to pull apart cooled, cooked chicken breast. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low speed for about 30 seconds works wonders, too!
- My family is picky about BBQ sauce. Any recommendations? For a surefire win, go with a sweet and smoky sauce rather than an ultra-spicy one. You can always offer extra sauce on the side for those who want to add more kick.
- Can I make this with uncooked chicken? You sure can. Dice about 1.5 lbs of raw chicken breast, season it, and sauté it until cooked through before adding it to the bake.
This BBQ Chicken Macaroni Bake is the kind of simple, hearty dish that makes weeknights a little brighter. It’s packed with bold flavor, comes together without stress, and is guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds.