Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting fusion dish that blends creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese with tender, smoky barbecue chicken. Perfect for family dinners or weekend cookouts, this rich and hearty meal is customizable, easy to prepare, and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Chicken and BBQ
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite style)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
- 2 1/2 cups milk or cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk or cream until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Mix in BBQ chicken: Fold the cooked chicken into the cheese sauce, then stir in your favorite BBQ sauce. Blend everything well to create a smoky, cheesy mixture.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the cheese and chicken mixture over the cooked macaroni. Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated with the BBQ cheese sauce.
- Bake or serve immediately: To enjoy a bubbly, browned top, transfer the mac and cheese into a baking dish. Optionally, top with extra cheese or a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, serve right away for a creamy, stovetop version.
Notes
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for the best melting quality and bold flavor.
- Do not overcook the pasta; slightly undercooked pasta will stay firm after baking.
- Homemade BBQ sauce adds a personalized punch if you have time to prepare it.
- Slow-cooked chicken is ideal for tender, juicy meat that blends well with smoky flavors.
- Allow baked mac and cheese to rest for a few minutes before serving to help it set and remain creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, barbecue, cheesy pasta, creamy sauce, family dinner, easy recipe
