Why This BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Belongs on Your Holiday Table
Is it really the holidays without a bubbling tray of mac & cheese fresh out of the oven? Chef @jefro5, repping @acbarbeque, takes this comfort classic up a level with his signature BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese — featuring tender, juicy chicken, bold spice blends, and that crispy baked top we all fight over at the table.
With the AC Barbeque MVP seasoning bringing the heat and Midnight Smoke delivering deep, smoky vibes (yes, with crushed mustard seeds!), this dish is the perfect mix of cheesy, savory, and soul-warming. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just pulling up with the standout side dish, this one will have folks asking for the recipe before dessert.
Ingredients
For the Shredded BBQ Chicken
- 3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp AC Barbeque The MVP seasoning
- 1½ tsp AC Barbeque Midnight Smoke (crushed mustard seeds)
- 1½ tbsp neutral oil
- ⅓ cup chicken stock
For the Mac & Cheese
- 16 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi
- 6 tbsp butter
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 3¼ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2½ tsp kosher salt
- 1¼ tsp black pepper
- 1¼ tsp smoked paprika
- ¾ tsp AC Barbeque Midnight Smoke (crushed mustard seeds)
- 8 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
- 8 oz smoked gouda, shredded
- 5 oz cream cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season & Grill the Chicken
- Coat chicken thighs with oil, the MVP, and crushed Midnight Smoke seasoning.
- Grill for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
2. Steam-Finish & Shred
- Add chicken stock to the pan, cover, and steam for 10–15 minutes.
- Shred the chicken while warm and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Boil macaroni or cavatappi until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Roux
- Melt butter in a large pot, whisk in flour.
- Cook until golden to form a smooth roux.
5. Build the Cheese Sauce
- Slowly whisk in milk and cream, and cook until thick.
- Stir in all cheeses and seasonings until melted and creamy.
6. Combine Chicken & Pasta
Fold shredded chicken and pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
7. Bake Until Golden
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbling and crispy on top.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Want extra crisp? Broil the top for 2–3 minutes after baking.
- Swap in pepper jack or Monterey jack for an extra cheesy pull.
- Prep ahead by assembling the night before and baking day-of.
- Great with a drizzle of BBQ sauce or a dash of hot honey on top.
About the Creator
This recipe comes from Chef Jefro of @acbarbeque, where Southern roots meet culinary finesse. Known for his bold spice blends like The MVP and Midnight Smoke, Chef Jefro creates BBQ-inspired dishes that bring the fire to every table. Follow him for more saucy, smoky, and soulful eats.
Chef Jefro | @acbarbeque