BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the culinary equivalent of a warm hug on a chilly evening. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness wrapped around tender chunks of smoky chicken, all topped with a tantalizing BBQ sauce that dances on your taste buds. It’s comforting, it’s indulgent, and it makes you feel like you’re lounging in your favorite armchair while the world spins outside.
Picture this: a backyard barbecue where laughter and sunshine mingle, and someone brings out a bubbling dish of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Suddenly, everyone forgets their diets and dives in with glee. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary gathering into a culinary celebration, leaving everyone asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is incredibly easy to prepare, so you can impress your friends without breaking a sweat.
- The flavor profile is a delightful mix of smoky and cheesy goodness that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Visually, it’s a feast for the eyes with its golden crust and vibrant toppings.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or side at any gathering.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; they soak up flavors deliciously while remaining tender.
Pasta (Elbow Macaroni): Use about 1 pound; these little curves hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese: Aim for about 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar; it gives that classic mac and cheese flavor we all adore.
BBQ Sauce: You’ll need around 1 cup; pick your favorite—sweet or tangy—because this is where the magic happens.
For the Sauce:
Milk: Approximately 2 cups of whole milk adds creaminess to our sauce—feel free to use low-fat if you must.
Butter: About 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter will give our cheese sauce that rich texture.
Flour: Use around half a cup; this thickens our sauce beautifully into a gooey delight.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add in the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the pan. Cook for about six minutes on each side or until they’re cooked through. Remove from heat, shred them using two forks, and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In that same skillet (because who doesn’t love fewer dishes?), melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and let it bubble for about two minutes before gradually whisking in the milk. Keep whisking until thickened—this usually takes about five minutes—and then add in your cheddar cheese until melted.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl or pot, combine your cooked pasta, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is thoroughly coated with gooey goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer your mixture into a greased baking dish. If you’re feeling fancy (and why shouldn’t you?), sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking for about 25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before serving—it’ll be hard not to dive in immediately! Transfer portions onto plates or bowls and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for that final touch.
And there you have it! Your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is ready to steal the show at any gathering—or just satisfy that late-night snack craving after binge-watching your favorite show!
You Must Know
- This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines smoky, tender chicken with creamy cheese and pasta.
- Perfect for gatherings, it’s a dish that brings everyone together.
- Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by searing the chicken to lock in those smoky flavors. Cook the pasta while simultaneously preparing the cheesy sauce for maximum efficiency and deliciousness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for pulled pork or add jalapeños for a kick. Experiment with different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda to elevate your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk for creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked pasta, follow package instructions closely; al dente is key.
- Always let your cheese sauce thicken before mixing to ensure a creamy texture.
- Don’t skip seasoning your chicken; it makes all the difference!
It’s funny how my friends still remember that epic BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese I made last summer. They said I should open a restaurant! Little do they know, I just enjoy cooking for them—and eating their compliments!
FAQs :
What is BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious comfort food dish that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with smoky, tangy barbecue-flavored chicken. It’s a one-pot meal that offers the creamy goodness of traditional mac and cheese while infusing it with the robust flavors of BBQ chicken. This dish is perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or even a cozy family dinner.
How do I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
To make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, start by cooking your elbow macaroni according to package instructions. In a separate pan, sauté diced chicken breast until cooked through. Mix in BBQ sauce, then combine this mixture with the cooked pasta and a creamy cheese sauce. Bake for a few minutes until bubbly and golden on top. You can customize it by adding veggies or different types of cheese for extra flavor.
Can I use leftover chicken for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken is a great way to save time when making BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Just shred or chop the leftover chicken, mix it with BBQ sauce, and follow the recipe as usual. This method not only speeds up preparation but also adds extra flavor to the dish.
What cheese works best for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
A blend of cheeses works best for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Sharp cheddar provides a rich flavor, while Monterey Jack adds creaminess. You might also consider using smoked gouda for an additional smoky taste that complements the barbecue sauce beautifully. Mixing cheeses gives your dish depth and enhances its overall flavor profile.
Conclusion for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese :
In summary, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is an irresistible dish that brings together cheesy goodness with savory barbecue flavors. It’s an easy recipe that allows for flexibility with ingredients like leftover chicken or various cheeses. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a family meal, this dish guarantees satisfaction for all palates. Try this delightful combination today to elevate your comfort food experience!
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a crowd-pleasing comfort food that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with tender, smoky chicken and tangy barbecue sauce. This indulgent dish transforms any meal into a festive gathering, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. With its rich flavors and gooey texture, you’ll find everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for about 6 minutes per side until cooked through. Shred the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour for about 2 minutes, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about 5 minutes). Add cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce in a bowl; mix well.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish; optionally top with extra cheese. Bake for around 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Let cool slightly before serving; drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Substitute leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation. Add jalapeños or use different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for added flavor.
