Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Name: Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 180 min
Ingredients: 2–3 chicken breasts; salt; pepper; garlic powder; onion powder; paprika; 1 bottle barbecue sauce; 12 oz pasta shells; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 1 cup cheddar cheese; 1 cup heavy cream

This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup that brings together smoky barbecue flavor and creamy cheesy pasta.

The chicken cooks low and slow in barbecue sauce until it becomes tender and easy to shred, soaking up all that bold, smoky flavor. Once mixed, it creates a rich base that pairs perfectly with pasta and melted cheese.

When you add the pasta, butter, cheeses, and cream, everything comes together into a thick, creamy, cheesy dish that’s loaded with flavor in every bite.

This is the kind of meal that’s perfect for busy nights, feeding a crowd, or whenever you want something hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold BBQ flavor combined with creamy mac and cheese.
Easy crockpot recipe with minimal prep.
Super creamy and loaded with melted cheese.
Perfect comfort food for busy nights.
Great for feeding a crowd or meal prep.

Ingredients

This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich and creamy BBQ pasta dish. The chicken cooks in barbecue sauce to create a flavorful base while the pasta adds heartiness.

The combination of mozzarella, cheddar, butter, and heavy cream creates a smooth, creamy cheese sauce that ties everything together. The result is a comforting, cheesy dish with bold barbecue flavor.

2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Onion powder, to taste
Paprika, to taste
1 full bottle Kroger barbecue sauce
12 oz pasta shells, cooked
2 tbsp butter
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup heavy cream

How To Make Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Add Chicken

Add the chicken breasts to the crockpot and spread them out evenly.

Step 2: Season Chicken

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Step 3: Add BBQ Sauce

Pour the entire bottle of barbecue sauce over the chicken.

Step 4: Cook

Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Shred Chicken

Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and mix it with the sauce.

Step 6: Add Pasta

Add the cooked pasta shells and stir to combine.

Step 7: Add Butter

Add the butter.

Step 8: Add Mozzarella

Add the shredded mozzarella cheese.

Step 9: Add Cheddar

Add the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 10: Add Cream

Pour in the heavy cream.

Step 11: Mix

Mix everything together until fully combined and creamy.

Step 12: Melt and Finish

Cover and let it sit for a few minutes until the cheese is melted and creamy.

Step 13: Serve

Serve hot and enjoy.

Recipe Variations

Add bacon for extra flavor.
Use spicy BBQ sauce for heat.
Add jalapeños for spice.
Use smoked gouda for a smoky twist.
Add green onions for garnish.

Tips for Success

Cook pasta separately to avoid it becoming mushy.
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
Shred the chicken finely for even distribution.
Add more cream if you want a thinner sauce.
Let it sit before serving to thicken.
Use your favorite BBQ sauce for flavor variation.