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A glass baking dish filled with cheesy macaroni and shredded chicken, topped with barbecue sauce, crispy bacon bits, and chopped green onions on a dark granite counter.
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Loaded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy baked mac and cheese loaded with smoky BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese for the ultimate comfort-food dinner.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Green onions for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  • In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated and set aside so the flavors can soak in.
  • Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled. Reserve a small amount for topping later.
  • In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about one minute to remove the raw flour taste while creating a smooth roux base.
  • Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  • Reduce the heat and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheese a little at a time until melted and creamy. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce along with half of the BBQ chicken and half of the bacon. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated without breaking the pasta.
  • Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and top with the remaining BBQ chicken, bacon, and extra cheese. Bake at 375°F for about 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Finish with a drizzle of BBQ sauce and sliced green onions before serving.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest cheese sauce texture.
  • Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers to restore creaminess.
  • Adjust the BBQ sauce sweetness or spice level to match your preferred flavor profile.

Nutrition

Calories: 1044kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 46g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 31g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 184mg | Sodium: 1242mg | Potassium: 694mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 1870IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 723mg | Iron: 3mg