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
Scale
- 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.