Save It This Mac and Cheese BBQ Chicken Pizza brings together two of the biggest comfort food cravings in one unforgettable bite. With gooey cheddar-laced mac and cheese, tangy BBQ chicken, and a crisp golden crust layered with bubbling mozzarella, it delivers on serious indulgence and weeknight fun. When I served this to my family on a chilly Saturday, their eyes lit up and there was not a single bite left on the tray.
My first attempt at this pizza was a wild experiment after a football game and it instantly became the birthday dinner request for both kids and adults in my house.
Ingredients
- Pizza dough: This is your crispy base for all the comfort—store-bought is quick but homemade shines extra delicious if you have the time. Look for dough that feels soft and pliable with a clean flour aroma.
- Elbow macaroni: Classic noodle shape holds the creamy cheese sauce on top of the pizza. Choose high-quality pasta that stays firm after boiling.
- Unsalted butter: For making a smooth roux that keeps your mac and cheese silky. Select butter with a sweet cream taste and bright yellow hue.
- All-purpose flour: This thickens the cheese sauce so it spreads instead of running off your crust. Look for a fresh bag without clumping.
- Whole milk: Delivers ultimate creaminess in the cheese sauce. Try to use milk from a local dairy for fuller flavor.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Brings bold flavor to your mac. Extra-sharp works too for even more punch. Shred your own for best melting.
- Salt and black pepper: To balance out the richness and season every layer. Fresher black pepper adds extra fragrance.
- Cooked shredded chicken: BBQ chicken is the savory center of every slice. Use rotisserie for ease or poach your own. Meat should be moist and not too stringy for best bite.
- BBQ sauce: Adds a smoked tang and just enough sweetness. Choose one with a short ingredient list that matches your flavor style.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into bubbly golden pockets for that classic stretchy pizza texture. Whole milk mozzarella browns the best.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Scatters a bit of crunch and mild bite. Pick tight, heavy onions without soft spots.
- Chopped fresh cilantro: Optional but refreshing on top. Look for deep green leaves and avoid wilted bunches.
Instructions
- Make the Oven and Prep Surface:
- Preheat your oven to a hot 475 degrees F and set a pizza stone inside if you have one. A blazing oven is key for a pizza shop style crust.
- Boil the Pasta:
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a full rolling boil. Add your elbow macaroni and stir often while cooking until just al dente about six to seven minutes so the noodles keep shape after baking. Drain and cool slightly.
- Prepare Creamy Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about one minute until the paste smells slightly nutty but not browned. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking to keep lumps away, and cook two to three minutes until the base thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
- Finish the Mac and Cheese:
- Remove your pan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar. Mix until melted and velvety. Season generously with salt and black pepper then add the cooked pasta and gently mix to coat every piece in cheese.
- Toss the BBQ Chicken:
- Pile the shredded chicken into a bowl and add the barbecue sauce. Use tongs or a spoon to toss until every bit of chicken is glazed. Add a touch more sauce if you want extra stickiness on your pizza.
- Shape and Stretch the Dough:
- On a lightly floured kitchen counter, stretch or roll your pizza dough out to a twelve inch round circle. If using homemade dough, let it rest if it resists rolling. You want an even surface about half an inch thick with a slight lip around the edge. Move dough onto a piece of parchment set over a baking sheet or onto your hot stone.
- Layer on the Comfort:
- Spoon your creamy mac and cheese onto the center of the dough. Use the back of your spoon to spread gently to the edge while leaving a small border for the crust. Do not overload or the crust might get soggy.
- Add Chicken and Cheesy Toppings:
- Scatter the saucy BBQ chicken evenly over the mac and cheese. Follow with shredded mozzarella cheese for ultra gooey melt and sprinkle sliced red onion all over for tangy bite and color.
- Bake to Golden Perfection:
- Place pizza into the oven and bake for twelve to fifteen minutes. Watch for the crust turning deep golden and the cheese bubbling with browned spots. Rotate halfway for even cooking if needed.
- Finish and Serve Hot:
- Take pizza from the oven and immediately drizzle extra BBQ sauce in zigzags on top. Shower with chopped cilantro if you like a fresh herby note. Use a sharp knife or pizza wheel to cut hot and enjoy right away.
Save It I absolutely love how the sharp cheddar stands up to smoky BBQ sauce—the mac and cheese with that squeaky cheese pull is my favorite bite. One time my nephew helped sprinkle the mozzarella and called it cheesy snow which has stuck as our family pizza night tradition.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Slice pieces so they reheat evenly and use a hot oven or toaster oven to revive the crisp crust. Avoid microwaving for too long to keep texture at its best.
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap in rotisserie chicken for even quicker assembly and it stays juicy. Smoked Gouda or Monterey Jack cheese can be mixed into the mac for rich flavor twists. Gluten free pizza dough and chickpea pasta turn this dish into an allergy friendly treat.
Serving Suggestions
Cut into squares or traditional pizza wedges and serve with a simple green salad for freshness. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce or toss on pickled jalapenos for a fiery finish. For a party appetizer, slice into bite sized pieces and skewer with toothpicks.
Save It Mac and Cheese BBQ Chicken Pizza proves comfort food can be creative and crowd-pleasing. Enjoy every cheesy, golden slice fresh from the oven for best flavor.
Recipe FAQs
- → What kind of pizza dough works best?
Both store-bought and homemade dough are suitable; use a classic, yeast-based dough for a crisp exterior and chewy interior.
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works well. Shred it finely and coat generously with BBQ sauce for best flavor.
- → How do I avoid soggy pizza crust?
Preheat your oven thoroughly and use a baking stone if possible. Spread mac and cheese thinly and bake until crust is golden.
- → Which cheeses complement the flavors?
Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are recommended, but smoked gouda or Monterey Jack add depth and extra flavor.
- → Is it possible to make a vegetarian version?
Omit chicken or replace with roasted vegetables like mushrooms or peppers. Adjust BBQ sauce as needed for taste.
- → What drinks pair well?
A crisp lager or lightly oaked Chardonnay balances the rich, smoky and cheesy elements of this fusion pizza.