Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac & Cheese

Lora Lopez

Posted on October 24, 2025

Welcome to a delicious journey of flavors with our Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac & Cheese. This dish combines the smoky, tangy taste of BBQ pulled chicken with rich, creamy macaroni and cheese, creating a comfort food masterpiece that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, preparing a cozy weeknight dinner, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe will not disappoint. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and the magic of slow cooking, which melds all these flavors beautifully while you go about your day.

Imagine coming home to the inviting aroma of BBQ chicken wafting through your house. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The chicken becomes tender and flavorful, and when mixed with creamy cheese and pasta, it transforms into a hearty meal that everyone will love. Plus, with the addition of green onions for garnish, you’ll have a dish that looks as good as it tastes. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful recipe that is sure to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe is a game-changer for busy cooks or anyone who adores comforting dishes. Here are several reasons why you’ll fall in love with it:

Effortless Preparation: Just throw your ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it do the work for you. Perfect for those hectic days when time is short but you still want a fantastic meal.
Flavor Fusion: The combination of BBQ chicken and creamy macaroni and cheese creates an irresistible flavor profile that balances smokiness, creaminess, and a hint of tang.
Kid-Friendly: This dish is a surefire hit with kids and adults alike. Who can resist melty cheese and tender chicken? It’s a great way to get kids excited about dinner.
Customizable: You can easily switch up the ingredients, using different types of cheese, adding veggies, or even making it spicy with jalapeños if you like.
Perfect for Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), this dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prep.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Not only is our Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac & Cheese delicious, but it also offers numerous benefits that make it worth trying:

Nutrition Boost: By using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, you’re getting a lean source of protein. Pair this with some whole-grain macaroni for an added health kick!
Less Cleanup: One pot is all you need! The slow cooker allows for easy cooking and straightforward cleanup, making it a practical choice for busy families.
Party Perfect: This dish is great for potlucks or gatherings. It feeds a crowd and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Time-Saving: With just a few minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it. This recipe allows you to focus on other tasks while your meal cooks itself.
Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something incredibly satisfying about digging into a bowl of creamy mac and cheese topped with tender, BBQ chicken. It’s pure comfort food that warms the soul.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To create your own Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac & Cheese, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups elbow macaroni
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup cream cheese, cubed
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon mustard (optional)
1/2 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)

Recommended Utensils

Slow cooker
Large pot (for boiling macaroni)
Measuring cups and spoons
Two forks (for shredding chicken)
Mixing spoon
Colander (for draining macaroni)
Serving bowls

With these ingredients and utensils in hand, you’re all set to prepare a dish that will delight everyone around your table!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Follow these detailed steps to make your Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac & Cheese:

Prepare the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This step infuses the chicken with fantastic flavors right from the start.
Add Sauces: Pour in the BBQ sauce and chicken broth. Stir gently to combine, ensuring the chicken is well-coated. This creates a luscious sauce that the chicken will absorb during cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and easily shredded. The slow cooking process ensures the chicken becomes tender and flavorful.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mixing it with the sauce. This step allows the chicken to soak up even more flavor.
Cook the Macaroni: In a separate pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Cooking the macaroni separately ensures it retains its texture.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In the slow cooker, add the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, milk, and mustard (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. This is where the magic happens – creamy, cheesy goodness!
Heat Through: Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mac and cheese is creamy and heated through. This step ensures that all components meld together beautifully.
Serve: Spoon the BBQ pulled chicken mac and cheese into bowls and garnish with sliced green onions. This final touch adds a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac & Cheese! It’s perfect for sharing, but you might just want to keep it all to yourself.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure they are fully cooked.

What type of BBQ sauce is best for this recipe?

Choose a BBQ sauce that you enjoy! Sweet, tangy, or spicy varieties all work well, depending on your taste preference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. Just be sure to add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

What sides pair well with BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac & Cheese?

Coleslaw or a fresh garden salad make great side dishes to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute the chicken with a meat alternative, like jackfruit or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our Slow Cooker BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort food to the next level. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that is both satisfying and memorable. Don’t hesitate to share your experience in the comments below, and if you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with your friends! For more delicious recipes, check out this link. Happy cooking!