If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm, comforting hug with a little Southern soul, you have to try this BBQ Chicken Corn Mac and Cheese Bowl with Coleslaw Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy mac and cheese, smoky BBQ chicken, sweet corn, and tangy, crunchy coleslaw all piled into one satisfying bowl. Every scoop delivers layers of flavor and texture that dance together beautifully, making it a go-to meal that’s as cozy as it is exciting for your taste buds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s brilliant about the BBQ Chicken Corn Mac and Cheese Bowl with Coleslaw Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one plays a vital role in bringing out the dish’s vibrant flavors and textures. From the luscious creaminess of the mac and cheese to the refreshing crunch of coleslaw, every component matters.
- Mac and Cheese: Use a creamy, cheesy base—homemade or a good-quality boxed version—this is the heart of the bowl.
- BBQ Chicken: Shredded or cubed, rotisserie chicken tossed in your favorite BBQ sauce works perfectly to add smoky, savory protein.
- Corn: Fresh, frozen, or charred corn adds juicy sweetness and a pop of color.
- Coleslaw: Creamy and tangy coleslaw provides a cool, crisp contrast that balances the richness.
- BBQ Sauce: For drizzling and extra flavor—choose your preferred heat level and style.
- Optional Crunch Toppings: Fried onions, jalapeño chips, or pickled jalapeños add exciting textures and a touch of heat.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Corn Mac and Cheese Bowl with Coleslaw Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese
Start by making a creamy mac and cheese, either from scratch with a blend of sharp cheddar and melty cheeses, or by using a trusted boxed version for convenience. The mac and cheese forms a luscious foundation that’s warm and comforting, so it’s important to get that texture just right—rich and cheesy but not clumpy.
Step 2: Cook and Toss the BBQ Chicken
Shred or cube your cooked chicken—rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut here—and toss it generously with BBQ sauce. This step brings the star smoky flavor that defines this dish. Warm the chicken slightly so it melds nicely with the mac and cheese.
Step 3: Add the Sweet Corn
Next, stir in some sweet corn. You can thaw frozen corn, use fresh off the cob, or even char the kernels on a grill or skillet for a deeper, smoky note. Corn adds a juicy sweetness that complements the savory barbecue perfectly.
Step 4: Layer with Creamy Coleslaw
Top your bowl with a generous scoop of creamy coleslaw. The cold, crisp slaw is essential because it cuts through the richness of the hot mac and cheese and chicken, providing a refreshing contrast that sets this dish apart.
Step 5: Add Crunch and Extra Flavor
For an extra layer of texture and zing, sprinkle fried onions or jalapeño chips over the top. If you like things spicy, tuck in some pickled jalapeños or drizzle hot sauce. Don’t forget a drizzle of BBQ sauce or ranch dressing to tie all the flavors together beautifully.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Corn Mac and Cheese Bowl with Coleslaw Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes make this bowl not just tasty but also inviting. A sprinkle of fried onions adds crispy goodness, while a handful of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or cilantro lifts the flavors. For a spicy kick, pickled jalapeños work wonders, and a final drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce never fails to impress.
Side Dishes
Although the BBQ Chicken Corn Mac and Cheese Bowl with Coleslaw Recipe is quite filling, pairing it with simple sides like cornbread, baked beans, or a fresh garden salad creates a well-rounded, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this bowl layered in clear glass jars to showcase the colorful layers of mac and cheese, chicken, corn, and coleslaw. This presentation not only looks fantastic but also keeps textures distinct until served. You can also turn the bowl into a loaded baked potato topping for a whole new spin on comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover BBQ Chicken Corn Mac and Cheese Bowl with Coleslaw Recipe in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keep the coleslaw separate if possible, as mixing it into the warm mac and cheese can make it soggy. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The mac and cheese and BBQ chicken components freeze well if stored apart from the coleslaw. Portion them into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the slaw to preserve its crunch and freshness.
Reheating
Reheat the mac and cheese and chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy and prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk if needed. Reintroduce the coleslaw cold when serving to maintain that essential crisp texture.
FAQs
Can I use homemade BBQ sauce for this recipe?
Absolutely! Homemade BBQ sauce adds a personal touch and you can customize the sweetness, tanginess, or heat level to match your taste perfectly.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, by swapping the BBQ chicken for BBQ jackfruit or a smoky grilled vegetable mix, you can enjoy a vegetarian version without losing the soulful flavors.
What kind of cheese works best in the mac and cheese?
A blend of sharp cheddar for flavor and mozzarella or Monterey Jack for creaminess works wonderfully to achieve that perfect gooey texture.
Can I prepare the coleslaw in advance?
Definitely! Coleslaw tastes even better after letting it chill for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld nicely before serving.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level is totally up to you. Use mild BBQ sauce and skip the jalapeños for a milder version, or spice things up with hot sauce and pickled jalapeños for a fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
This BBQ Chicken Corn Mac and Cheese Bowl with Coleslaw Recipe is one of those dishes that brings comfort and excitement to the table all at once. It’s easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion where you want to wow your friends or treat yourself to something deliciously satisfying. Give it a try—you’ll likely find it becoming a beloved staple in your recipe rotation!
Print
BBQ Chicken Corn Mac and Cheese Bowl with Coleslaw Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delightful bowl combining creamy mac and cheese, smoky BBQ chicken, sweet corn, and tangy coleslaw. This dish balances rich, savory, sweet, and crunchy textures, making it a perfect comfort meal with a fresh twist.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
BBQ Chicken
- 2 cups shredded or cubed rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
Vegetables
- 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or charred)
Coleslaw
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Fried onions or jalapeño chips for crunch
- Extra BBQ sauce or ranch dressing
- Pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for heat
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni: Boil macaroni pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour to form a roux, cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Make the mac and cheese: Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce until well coated. Keep warm.
- Prepare BBQ chicken: Toss shredded or cubed rotisserie chicken with BBQ sauce until fully coated.
- Prepare the coleslaw: In a mixing bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
- Heat the corn: If using frozen corn, cook until hot. For extra flavor, char fresh corn kernels slightly in a skillet or on the grill.
- Assemble the bowl: Start with a generous scoop of mac and cheese as the base. Layer BBQ chicken on top, then add sweet corn. Finish with a heap of creamy coleslaw on top to provide a contrasting cold crunch.
- Add optional toppings and sauces: For extra texture, sprinkle fried onions or jalapeño chips. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce or ranch dressing if desired. Add pickled jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time on cooking the protein.
- Charring the corn enhances the smoky flavor to complement the BBQ chicken.
- Layering ingredients helps maintain texture contrasts versus mixing everything together.
- Adjust spice and sauce levels according to preference.
- Fried onions add delightful crunch and flavor, but can be omitted for a lighter option.
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