Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese is one of those recipes that immediately fills the kitchen with a smoky, buttery aroma that makes you want to hover around the slow cooker before it’s even done.
The first time I made Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese, I remember lifting the lid and getting hit with that sweet BBQ scent mixed with melting cheese—it felt like comfort food at its absolute best.
The chicken turns tender and juicy, soaking up every bit of barbecue sauce, while the pasta and cheese bring everything together into a creamy, rich dish that feels both hearty and indulgent without being complicated.
Key Ingredients in Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese
12 oz pasta shells, cooked and drained
• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 full bottle barbecue sauce
Seasonings:
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Onion powder, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
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Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 min
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese is a rich, creamy slow cooker meal made with tender shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, pasta shells, cheddar, mozzarella, heavy cream, and butter. It’s smoky, cheesy, and perfect for an easy comfort dinner.
Ingredients
• 12 oz pasta shells, cooked and drained
• 2–3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 full bottle barbecue sauce
Seasonings:
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Onion powder, to taste
• Paprika, to taste
Instructions
1. Season the chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
2. Add sauce and cook
Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure it’s well coated. Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Shred and mix
Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot and stir it into the sauce.
4. Add pasta
Stir in the cooked pasta shells until evenly combined.
5. Make it creamy
Add butter, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is coated.
6. Melt and finish
Cover and let sit for a few minutes until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture becomes creamy.
7. Serve
Stir once more and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow cooker
- Cuisine: American
If you enjoy Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese, you might also like exploring similar dishes such as Old Fashioned Cheesy Beef Angel Hair Spaghetti, Chili Cheese Potato Skillet, or Cheesy Slow Cooker Lasagna for more cozy, family-style meals.
How to Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese Step-by-Step
- Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker and season them generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Pour the barbecue sauce over the chicken, making sure every piece is covered, then cook on high for 2–3 hours until the chicken becomes tender and easy to pull apart.
- Shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks, letting it absorb all the flavorful sauce as you mix it back in.
- Stir in the cooked pasta shells so they begin soaking up the BBQ mixture.
- Add butter, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese, then mix until everything starts melting into a creamy sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and let it sit for a few minutes so the cheese fully melts and the texture turns rich and smooth.
- Stir once more before serving warm.
Final Touches & Serving
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving
- Let it rest for a few minutes for a thicker texture
- Serve warm for the best creamy consistency
Conclusion
This Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese is the kind of meal that feels like it was made for busy days when you still want something comforting and homemade. Every bite is creamy, smoky, and satisfying, and it’s the kind of dish that quietly disappears faster than expected once it hits the table.
Looking for inspiration? Visit Elise Chef on Pinterest to explore beautifully curated high-fiber recipes and discover your next healthy habit.