Image Source: @acbarbeque via Black Foodie Finder on Instagram
BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: A Holiday Showstopper with Bold Black Flavor
Is it really a holiday meal without mac and cheese? Not in our kitchens. And Chef @jefro5 from @acbarbeque takes it to a whole new level with this BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese—a recipe loaded with smoky shredded chicken, rich creamy cheeses, and a crispy, golden baked top that delivers comfort food excellence with every bite.
This isn’t your average side dish—it’s the main event. With the bold flavor of The MVP seasoning and the smoky notes of Midnight Smoke, this mac hits all the right notes: creamy, crunchy, and packed with holiday cheer. It’s the kind of recipe that has folks asking for seconds… then thirds. And yes, you’re gonna want to double this one.
What You Need: Ingredients List
For the Shredded BBQ Chicken
- 3 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp AC Barbeque The MVP seasoning
- 1½ tsp AC Barbeque Midnight Smoke (mustard seeds crushed)
- 1½ tbsp neutral oil
- ⅓ cup chicken stock
For the Mac & Cheese
- 16 oz elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 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 (mustard seeds crushed)
- 8 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
- 8 oz smoked gouda, shredded
- 5 oz cream cheese
Step-by-Step: How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
1. Season and Grill the Chicken
Toss chicken thighs in oil, The MVP, and crushed Midnight Smoke seasoning.
2. Cook and Steam-Finish
Grill the chicken for 6–7 minutes per side, then add chicken stock, cover, and steam for 10–15 minutes.
3. Shred the Chicken
While warm, shred the cooked chicken into tender pieces and set aside.
4. Boil the Pasta
Cook the macaroni or cavatappi in salted water until al dente, then drain.
5. Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a pot, whisk in flour to form a roux, then stir in milk and cream until thick.
6. Combine and Bake
Fold the cooked pasta and shredded chicken into the cheese sauce, then pour into a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Use smoked cheeses like gouda for deeper flavor.
- Double the batch for holidays—it disappears fast.
- Add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.
- Swap chicken for brisket or turkey for a remix.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Chef Jefro, the pitmaster and flavor genius behind @acbarbeque, known for signature spice blends like The MVP and Midnight Smoke. His recipes bring bold, smoky, Southern-inspired magic to the table—every time.
Chef Jefro | @acbarbeque