Chef Mitchell preparing BBQ Chicken Macaroni
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered BBQ Chicken Macaroni during my culinary school days while experimenting with different flavors. The fusion of BBQ and macaroni hit me as a fantastic idea, and I worked on perfecting the balance of flavors. It quickly became a favorite among my friends and family. Over the years, I've made tweaks to enhance the dish, ensuring that it remains a staple at gatherings."

With over a decade of experience in the kitchen, I specialize in American cuisine and modern comfort food. My passion lies in creating easy-to-follow recipes that bring families together. I believe that good food should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious BBQ Chicken Macaroni served on a plate

Why This BBQ Chicken Macaroni Recipe Works

This BBQ Chicken Macaroni recipe stands out due to its unique blend of flavors. The smoky BBQ sauce adds depth to the creamy pasta, making each bite a delicious experience. It's a comforting dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike, ensuring it will be a crowd-pleaser.

The technique used in this recipe ensures that the pasta absorbs the flavors of the BBQ sauce while integrating perfectly with the chicken. Baking it adds a delightful crust to the top, offering a wonderful contrast to the creamy filling.

💡 Professional Tip

To enhance the flavor of your BBQ Chicken Macaroni, consider marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce for a few hours before cooking. This will infuse the meat with even more flavor and tenderness. Also, feel free to customize the cheese to your taste; a mix of cheddar and mozzarella works beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely! You can prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or a busy weeknight.

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, you can use lentils or chickpeas instead of chicken. For a different protein, shredded pork or beef can also be great alternatives. Just ensure you adjust the cooking times accordingly.

The dish is done when the top is golden brown and bubbly. You can insert a knife or fork into the center to check if it’s hot throughout. If it comes out warm, it’s ready to serve!

Yes, you can freeze BBQ Chicken Macaroni! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

BBQ Chicken Macaroni pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or coleslaw to balance the richness of the dish. Grilled vegetables or garlic bread also make excellent accompaniments.

Leftover BBQ Chicken Macaroni can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh and prevent it from absorbing other odors.

Yes, making it in advance is a great idea! Prepare the dish, refrigerate it, and bake it when ready to serve. This way, you save time on busy days while still enjoying a delicious homemade meal.

The best way to reheat BBQ Chicken Macaroni is in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but the oven gives a better texture.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If your BBQ Chicken Macaroni turns out dry, it may be due to overcooking or insufficient sauce.

Solution: To fix this, add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta before baking, and cover the dish with foil during the initial baking to trap moisture.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the top of your BBQ Chicken Macaroni isn't crispy, it may need more time under the broiler.

Solution: After baking, switch the oven to broil for a few minutes to give it that desired crunch, but watch closely to avoid burning.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: Overcooked BBQ Chicken Macaroni can become mushy, affecting texture.

Prevention: To prevent this, stick to the recommended cooking times and check for doneness a few minutes early. If necessary, slightly reduce the cooking time next time you make it.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: An undercooked center can occur if the dish is not heated evenly.

Recovery: To recover from this, cover the dish with foil and return it to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until the center is heated through.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the exterior is burnt, it may have been exposed to high heat for too long.

Prevention: To prevent burning, lower the oven temperature slightly and cover the dish with foil during baking until the last 10 minutes.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: If it's too salty, try adding more unsalted noodles or another creamy element to dilute the saltiness.

Bland: For a bland flavor, increase the seasoning or add more BBQ sauce to enhance the taste.

Fresh ingredients for BBQ Chicken Macaroni

Essential Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Macaroni

The key ingredients in BBQ Chicken Macaroni include tender chicken pieces, creamy elbow macaroni, and zesty BBQ sauce. These elements come together to create a comforting dish that is both hearty and satisfying. The addition of cheese enhances the creaminess and provides a delicious flavor.

When selecting ingredients, opt for high-quality BBQ sauce and fresh chicken for the best flavor. Using aged cheese can add a depth of flavor, while fresh herbs can elevate the dish further. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the end result, so choose wisely!

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken: Choose boneless, skinless chicken for ease of cooking. Marinating the chicken in BBQ sauce beforehand can enhance the flavor and tenderness. Always ensure it's cooked to a safe internal temperature.
  • Pasta: Using elbow macaroni is traditional, but you can substitute with other pasta shapes like shells or penne if preferred. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
  • BBQ Sauce: Select a BBQ sauce that suits your taste, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy. You can also make your own sauce for a personal touch. Adjust the amount based on your preference for sweetness or spiciness.
Cooking process for BBQ Chicken Macaroni

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

The cooking process for BBQ Chicken Macaroni is straightforward and can be completed in under an hour. Start by cooking the chicken and pasta separately to ensure both are cooked to perfection. Combine them with the sauce before transferring to the oven for a final bake.

Achieving perfect results involves paying attention to cooking times and ensuring the cheese melts beautifully. The final bake allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a cohesive and delicious dish.

Key Technique for Perfect BBQ Chicken Macaroni

The key technique for perfect BBQ Chicken Macaroni is the layering of flavors. By cooking the chicken with spices before combining it with the pasta and sauce, you ensure that each component is flavorful. Additionally, allowing the dish to bake gives it a crispy top while keeping the inside creamy.

BBQ Chicken Macaroni

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
    Choose your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 cup milk
    Whole milk is recommended
  • 1/4 cup diced onion
    Finely chopped for best flavor
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    For a creamy texture
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
    Optional for a crunchy topping

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
    Cooked al dente
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
    For added flavor
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    For cooking the chicken
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    Adds a smoky flavor
  • Salt and pepper
    To taste
  • 1 cup corn
    Optional for extra texture
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
    For garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Chicken

    In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.

  2. Boil the Pasta

    In a separate pot, bring water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. Prepare the Sauce

    In the skillet with the cooked chicken, add the BBQ sauce, milk, and diced onion. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer.

  4. Mix in the Pasta

    Add the cooked macaroni and corn (if using) to the skillet. Stir until everything is well-coated with the sauce.

  5. Add Cheese

    Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Mix gently to incorporate and allow the cheese to melt.

  6. Prepare for Baking

    Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

  7. Add Breadcrumbs

    If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.

  8. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

  9. Serve

    Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store any leftover BBQ Chicken Macaroni in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

Serving Suggestions

BBQ Chicken Macaroni is best served warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or green onions on top. Pair it with a side salad or coleslaw to balance the rich flavors, making for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this BBQ Chicken Macaroni recipe by adding vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also substitute the cheese for different varieties such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a spicy twist.