Easy One Skillet BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese on the Grill

Imagine creamy, gooey mac and cheese loaded with smoky grilled chicken, all brought together with a sweet and tangy BBQ sauce that caramelizes beautifully over an open flame. This Easy One Skillet BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup, cooked entirely on your backyard grill for that irresistible smoky flavor you just can’t get from your stovetop. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug and a backyard cookout all in one bite.

This beginner-friendly recipe is perfect for those evenings when you’re craving something cheesy, hearty, and packed with bold flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. By using your gas or charcoal grill, you’ll infuse the chicken with that delicious smoky char while the BBQ sauce adds a sweet, tangy kick. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a delicious BBQ twist that the whole family will love.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Grill

Preheat your gas grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. If you’re using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals for direct heat and let them burn until they’re covered with a light layer of white ash. Consistent, medium-high heat is perfect for getting that beautiful char on your chicken.

2. Season and Grill the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Place a large cast-iron skillet on the grill grates and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 6-8 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown, has beautiful grill marks, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The smoky flavor from the charcoal or gas grill will infuse the chicken, giving it incredible depth. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the chicken generously with BBQ sauce, letting it caramelize on the grill. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate to rest. Once cool enough to handle, dice or slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

3. Cook the Pasta

In the same skillet, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the grill. Add the dried pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.

4. Make the Cheese Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth, creamy, and vibrant. The heat from the grill will keep everything warm and silky.

5. Add the Chicken

Gently fold the diced BBQ chicken into the mac and cheese, stirring to combine. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.

6. Garnish and Serve

Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions. Serve hot right from the skillet. The creamy, smoky, sweet, and savory flavors come together in every single bite.

Tips for the Perfect BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Caramelize the BBQ Sauce on the Grill: Brushing the sauce on the chicken during the last few minutes of grilling creates a sticky, caramelized glaze that adds incredible flavor to the final dish.
• Use Smoked Paprika: This is our secret weapon for adding deep, smoky flavor, especially if you’re using a gas grill. It mimics the taste of a charcoal fire beautifully.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly in the creamy sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Freshly grated cheddar and Parmesan melt much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Delicious Variations

Spicy Buffalo BBQ Mac and Cheese: Replace half the BBQ sauce with buffalo sauce and add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Top with crumbled blue cheese for a spicy, tangy twist.

Bacon BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Cook 6 slices of chopped bacon in the skillet first until crispy. Remove the bacon, use the drippings to cook the chicken, and stir the bacon back in with the BBQ sauce for extra smoky, savory flavor.

Loaded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Top with extra shredded cheese, crispy fried onions, and a dollop of sour cream. This version is over-the-top delicious and perfect for special occasions.

Southwest BBQ Mac and Cheese: Add 1 can of diced green chilies, 1/2 cup of corn, and a teaspoon of cumin with the pasta. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a zesty, Southwestern flair.

Smoked Gouda BBQ Mac and Cheese: Replace the cheddar with smoked Gouda cheese. The extra smoky flavor from the cheese pairs beautifully with the grilled chicken and BBQ sauce.

Storage Instructions

Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover BBQ chicken mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop overnight.

Reheating Without Drying: The best way to reheat is in a skillet on the grill or stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce and stir frequently until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the skillet method gives you better control over the consistency.

Freezing Tip: Cream-based mac and cheese can become grainy when frozen, so we don’t recommend freezing this dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta for this grilled recipe?
Absolutely! Elbow macaroni is classic, but shells, cavatappi, rotini, or penne all work wonderfully. Shorter pastas with ridges hold the creamy BBQ sauce especially well.

What’s the best grill temperature for this one-skillet meal?
Medium-high heat, around 400°F, is ideal for searing the chicken and getting that beautiful char. Once you add the liquid and pasta, reduce the heat to medium-low (around 300-350°F) to gently simmer the pasta without burning the bottom.

Can I make this BBQ chicken mac and cheese without a grill?
Yes! You can make this entirely on your stovetop using a large skillet or Dutch oven. Cook the chicken in the skillet until browned and cooked through, then shred or dice it. To get a similar smoky flavor, use smoked paprika and consider adding a drop of liquid smoke to the sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken, simply shred or dice it and toss it with BBQ sauce before adding it to the mac and cheese at the end. This is a great way to save time.

What can I serve with this BBQ chicken mac and cheese?
This is a complete meal in one skillet! However, if you want to add extra sides, a fresh green salad, coleslaw, or grilled vegetables all pair beautifully with the sweet, smoky, creamy flavors of this dish.