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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Comfort with a Smoky Twist

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy pasta and smoky chicken for an irresistible comfort dish.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts or rotisserie chicken for convenience
For the Cheesy Sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce choose your preferred flavor
  • 4 tablespoons Butter or olive oil for a lighter option
  • 4 tablespoons Flour gluten-free flour works well
  • 2 cups Milk consider non-dairy alternatives if desired
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese or gouda/pepper jack for variety
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese or cream cheese for extra creaminess
For the Pasta and Seasoning
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni or any preferred short pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder or fresh garlic if preferred
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder or fresh onions for a bolder flavor
  • to taste Salt for seasoning
  • to taste Pepper for seasoning
Optional Toppings
  • as desired Extra BBQ Sauce for drizzling before serving
  • as desired Fresh Herbs such as parsley or chives for garnish

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Large pot

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, drizzle a little oil and add seasoned boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, remove from the skillet, allow to cool slightly, and shred the chicken with two forks.
  2. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 7-9 minutes. Drain all the water and set the pasta aside.
  3. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in 4 tablespoons of flour, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, continuing to cook for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes creamy.
  4. Slowly add 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese to the thickened milk mixture, stirring until melted and smooth. Taste the cheese sauce to ensure it's perfectly seasoned; add salt and pepper according to your preference.
  5. Once the cheese sauce is ready, stir in the shredded chicken and cooked elbow macaroni. Pour in your desired amount of BBQ sauce to coat everything evenly. Stir the mixture well.
  6. Spoon the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls or a serving dish. For an extra touch, drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 500mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

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