If you’re a macaroni lover, you’ve come to the right place. Check out more easy recipes like Instant Pot Chili Mac, Turkey Chili Mac and Cheese and Taco Mac! This One Pot BBQ Chicken Chili Mac is the perfect meal in just one dish! For over a decade now I’ve been coming up with meals that my kids will love that are also crammed full of protein, fibre and nutritious veggies — this one is no exception! Chicken Chili Macaroni really is the best of both worlds because it’s both comforting as can be AND offers plenty of nutritional benefits. Plus, you can sneak even more veggies into the dish and they’ll fly by pretty much undetected. Next time you need a one pot dinner that doesn’t require a side dish, this is the recipe for you. This chicken chili mac recipe has it all!
Why we love this BBQ Chicken Chili Mac:
One Pot: Don’t you just love a recipe that’s easy to make and easy to clean? There’s nothing better than a one pot dinner recipe! 30 Minute Meal: Yes! This easy recipe comes together in just half an hour from start to finish. Sneaky Veggies: The bell peppers are already pretty sneaky, but there’s even more fun to be had here. Scroll down to my variations section to check out some ideas! Comfort Food: When you see the words “chili mac” in the title of a recipe, you already know it’s going to be comforting!
Chicken Chili Macaroni Ingredients:
Chicken: Chicken breasts are our favorite to use in this recipe, but thighs also work! Note that if you do use thighs, they’ll need to be boneless, skinless, and you’ll need twice as many. You can also sub for pre-cooked shredded chicken, or leftover slow cooker chicken breast that has been chopped (simply stir it in after the vegetables are sautéed). Macaroni: You can swap this with another short pasta if you’d like. Shells would also work great! BBQ Sauce: Feeling fancy? Make some Homemade BBQ Sauce! Broth: I like to use low-sodium broth when I cook. That way, I can add salt if needed and better control the amount of sodium in the dish. Bell Pepper: Red peppers are my favorite to use in this recipe, but you can swap with any other color you want. Onion: A white or yellow onion both work well. Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese will create the best flavor and consistency. Diced Tomatoes: These add a ton to both the flavor and consistency of the chili mac (they’re part of our cooking liquid)! Beans: You can use either black or kidney beans. Either way, just make sure they’re rinsed and well-drained. Seasonings: Seasoning salt, chili powder, salt and pepper is all you need. You can always adjust these to your own tastes. Garlic: a must!
How to make Chili Mac
Take a quick look at just how easy this one pot recipe is! For more detailed step by step instructions, keep scrolling down to the recipe card.
Cook the chicken with some seasoning salt just until it’s white on the outside. Mix in the bell peppers and onions. Cook for about 5 more minutes.
Mix in the chili powder and garlic. Stir in the beans, tomatoes, broth, barbecue sauce, salt and pepper.
Bring to a simmer and add macaroni. Cook the macaroni until al dente. Stir in the cheese.
Variations and Substitutions
Sneak in some veggies: I like to add shredded carrots or zucchini, chopped peppers, spinach, or kale, to dishes like this with a ton of flavor because if there’s someone in your family who isn’t a fan of their veggies (raises hand sheepishly), the chili flavors mask them easily. Add some spice: Sprinkle in some cayenne powder and/or crushed red pepper flakes to add some heat! Change the cheese: Cheddar cheese if my favorite, but you can always feel free to swap it with something like American or Pepper Jack.
How to store leftovers
Store your leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy a serving, just pop it in the microwave and reheat for 30 seconds at a time, stirring each time it stops, until warmed all the way through.
Can I freeze Chili Mac?
Sure thing! Just let it fully cool to room temperature first. Then, freeze your bbq chili mac in an airtight, freezer safe container for up to 3 months. Let it defrost for a few hours in the fridge prior to reheating.
Can I make it in the Crockpot?
Yes! I actually have a whole recipe dedicated to exactly that – Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Mac.
Serving suggestions:
This one pot meal really is just that – a well rounded meal all in one pot! However, you can always dress it up with a veggie side dish like Air Fryer Broccoli or Roasted Green Beans. Of course, you can always double down on the comfort with something like Cheesy Garlic Bread.
More One Pot Recipes You’ll Love!
Best Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup — you can’t go wrong with creamy soups! Slow Cooker Pot Roast with Gravy — a reader favorite! Stuffed Pepper Casserole — another easy recipe for cramming in loads of veggies. Homemade Hamburger Helper — a favorite with the kids!
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