BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Sometimes, life hands you a plate of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that’s so irresistibly delicious, it stops you in your tracks. Imagine the creamy richness of macaroni mingling with tender, smoky BBQ chicken, melting cheese, and a hint of tangy sauce. andouille sausage cajun gravy It’s the kind of dish that wraps around you like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Now picture this: a gathering of friends, laughter floating through the air, and the aroma of cheesy goodness wafting from the kitchen. This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t just food; it’s an experience, one that transforms any meal into a celebration. refreshing corn salad Whether you’re hosting game night or simply enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is sure to steal the show. For more inspiration, check out this pineapple coconut smoothie recipe.

I remember the first time I made this dish for my friends, their eyes lit up as they took their first bites. The room erupted in cheers when they realized what I had created, it was an unforgettable moment!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust based on your guest list.
• BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade for that personal touch.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice; feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes too! crispy air fryer pasta chips.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Choose sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact.
• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; consider half-and-half for extra richness.
• Butter: Unsalted butter helps control salt levels in the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional topping for added crunch and texture contrast.
• Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: Essential spices to enhance overall flavor. honey garlic ground beef.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning; adjust to taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through.

Shred the Chicken: Once cooked and slightly cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or your fingers for bite-sized pieces bursting with flavor.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Create the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter before whisking in milk slowly until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Add BBQ Sauce: Mix in shredded chicken and BBQ sauce into the cheese sauce until everything is well combined.

Combine Everything: Fold cooked pasta into the chicken-cheese mixture until evenly coated. Transfer to a baking dish if desired while sprinkling breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.

And there you have it! Your kitchen will smell like heaven while this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese bakes to perfection in just 20–25 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Enjoy every last bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta al dente while you grill the chicken, then combine everything in a creamy sauce for the best results.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different cheeses like pepper jack or add veggies such as bell peppers for extra flavor and color.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for optimal texture.

Cooking this dish reminds me of family barbecues where laughter filled the air, and everyone eagerly awaited that cheesy goodness on their plates. For more inspiration, check out this oven-baked barbecue ribs recipe.

FAQ

How can I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese spicy?

Add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken adds convenience and great flavor to your mac and cheese.

Is BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it, but it’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal creaminess and flavor.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

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• Author: Samuel Cullingham
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy macaroni with tender, smoky BBQ chicken and gooey melted cheese. This dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, transforming any meal into a celebration.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook chicken: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown and fully cooked. Shred once cooled.
2. Cook pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot; cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Make cheese sauce: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in milk until smooth; stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
4. Combine: Mix shredded chicken and BBQ sauce into the cheese sauce. Fold in cooked macaroni until evenly coated. Transfer to a baking dish; sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using.
5. Bake: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg