Mac and Cheese BBQ Chicken

This ultimate mac and cheese BBQ chicken pizza is for nights when you want full-on comfort and a wow factor at the table The creamy cheddar macaroni forms the cheesiest base layer topped with sweet smoky chicken and bubbling mozzarella all on a golden crust It is seriously the best of both worlds and always a crowd pleaser at gatherings or any weeknight when you need pure indulgence

Every bite hits cheesy smoky and tangy notes which I totally crave after a busy day I first made this pizza when my family begged for something different than plain cheese: needless to say it instantly became a weekend tradition

Ingredients

• Pizza dough: made fresh or store bought choose one with a good springiness for best results
• Elbow macaroni: the classic noodle for the mac layer cooks quickly and holds the sauce well
• Unsalted butter: you want it fresh and sweet smelling to build a creamy roux
• All purpose flour: look for a fine even texture to avoid lumps in your sauce
• Whole milk: richer than low fat and makes the mac supremely velvety
• Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: use a block and shred yourself for better melt and flavor
• Salt and black pepper: freshly ground black pepper gives the sauce a subtle kick
• Cooked chicken breast: moist and just lightly seasoned so the BBQ sauce stands out
• BBQ sauce: pick one that is thick and smoky with a little sweetness it shapes the whole pizza’s flavor
• Shredded mozzarella cheese: this melts into perfect stretchy pools over the pizza
• Red onion: thin slices give a pop of color and tang
• Chopped fresh cilantro: totally optional but adds a bright herbal finish especially if you like freshness

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Set your oven to 475 F 245 C Slide in a pizza stone if you have one and let it heat fully This high temperature ensures a crisp bottom

Boil the Macaroni:

Fill a medium pot with salted water and bring to a solid boil Pour in elbow macaroni and cook for 6 to 7 minutes until just al dente The pasta finishes cooking on the pizza so do not overboil Drain well and set aside

Make the Cheese Sauce:

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove any raw flavor Slowly pour in whole milk whisking nonstop until the mixture thickens and is completely smooth about 2 to 3 minutes Steady whisking leads to a lump free sauce

Finish the Mac and Cheese:

Take the pan off heat and stir in freshly shredded cheddar cheese until melted Taste and season with salt and black pepper Mix in your cooked macaroni making sure each piece is coated The sauce should be glossy and clingy

BBQ the Chicken:

In a bowl add shredded chicken and toss thoroughly with BBQ sauce so every strand is glazed with flavor Start with a little sauce and add more to taste

Shape the Pizza Dough:

Lightly dust your work surface with flour Gently stretch or roll your pizza dough into a 12 inch 30 cm round Do not overwork the dough or you will lose airiness Move it to parchment paper or a pizza peel if using a stone

Layer the Mac and Cheese:

Spoon the fresh mac and cheese all over the pizza dough leaving about half an inch bare around the edge Spread evenly in a thin generous layer so each bite gets pasta and gooey sauce

Top with BBQ Chicken and Cheese:

Scatter the saucy BBQ chicken across the mac and cheese layer Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella on top Make sure to go all the way to the edge for melted cheese goodness Toss on the thinly sliced red onion

Bake to Golden Perfection:

Slide your pizza onto the hot stone or baking sheet Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the crust is deep golden and the cheese is bubbling and browning Keep an eye on it the last two minutes for bubbling edges

Finish and Serve:

Take the pizza out and immediately drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and scatter with chopped cilantro if you want a fresh hit Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel to slice and serve hot

Save

My favorite part is always the cheddar mac the baked sides get perfectly crispy while the center stays gooey My kids go wild for the stretchy cheese on every slice especially when the BBQ chicken caramelizes along the edges

Storage Tips

Let any leftovers cool completely before storing Place slices in an airtight container lined with parchment and refrigerate for up to three days To reheat bake in a hot oven or air fryer at 375 F until the cheese is bubbling again Avoid microwaving to keep the crust crisp

Ingredient Substitutions

Use leftover rotisserie chicken for extra ease If you want a smokier flavor try Monterey Jack or smoked gouda with the cheddar If you need a vegetarian option skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or BBQ seasoned jackfruit For gluten free use gluten free dough and pasta

Serving Suggestions

This pizza is already rich but goes well with a simple green salad tossed in a sharp vinaigrette Serve with cold lager to cut through the cheese If you want heat lay on some pickled jalapeños before baking or add hot sauce at the table

Cultural Context

Fusion pizzas like this take classic American comfort foods and reinvent them Anyone who grew up with boxed mac and cheese and loves BBQ will appreciate this creative mashup At summer barbecues and kids parties this pizza never fails to surprise and delight

Seasonal Adaptations

Try using corn kernels and diced tomatoes in summer for a fresh pop In colder months add a little smoked paprika to the sauce for deeper warmth Or swap in caramelized onions for red onions when in season

Save

Avoid overstuffing with mac and cheese so each slice holds its shape but do not be shy with cheese over the top

Recipe Questions

→ How do I keep the crust crisp?

Preheat your oven fully and bake on a pizza stone or parchment-lined sheet to ensure a golden, crisp base.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Absolutely. Smoked gouda or Monterey Jack can be substituted for extra flavor depth or creaminess.

→ What can I use instead of chicken?

Try cooked turkey, pulled pork, or enjoy vegetarian-style using grilled veggies with BBQ sauce.

→ How to add spice?

Add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the toppings for a spicy twist.

→ Which side dishes pair well?

A simple green salad or crunchy coleslaw balances out the rich flavors of this fusion pizza.

→ Is this dish kid-friendly?

Kids love the cheesy macaroni and BBQ combination, especially with familiar pizza crust.