BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the smoky goodness of barbecue chicken with the creamy, cheesy delight of mac and cheese. Imagine twirling your fork through a luscious bowl of pasta, each bite bursting with flavor and nostalgia. It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for those days when you just need a little extra love from your kitchen.
Oh, and speaking of love, this dish takes me back to summer barbecues with my family. The smell of grilled chicken wafting through the air as we laughed and chased each other around the yard still makes my heart flutter. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering with friends, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the star of any table. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will make you want to dive headfirst into this cheesy paradise.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines rich, creamy textures with smoky flavors for a truly unforgettable dish.
- It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings.
- The vibrant colors create an eye-catching presentation that will impress your guests.
- Plus, it’s endlessly customizable—add veggies or switch up the proteins for your own twist!
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly; feel free to swap in gluten-free pasta if needed.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts will do; look for plump ones that are free from blemishes.
Your Favorite BBQ Sauce: Go for a sweet, tangy sauce that tickles your taste buds; homemade or store-bought works great!
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar gives that rich flavor; feel free to mix in mozzarella or gouda for extra creaminess.
Milk: Whole milk is best to achieve that creamy texture; you can substitute with plant-based milk if preferred.
For the Topping:
Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch topping; toss them with melted butter for extra flavor.
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 salted water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain it well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat, let cool slightly, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Sprinkle flour into the melted butter to create a roux and whisk continuously until bubbly (about 1-2 minutes). Slowly stir in milk while continuing to whisk until smooth and thickened (around 4-5 minutes). Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually while stirring until melted.
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. Pour this mixture into a greased baking dish.
Step 5: Top It Off
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl until coated. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni mixture in the baking dish.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with extra BBQ sauce for the perfect finishing touch. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
You Must Know
- This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes you the star of any gathering.
- Customize it with your favorite cheeses or add extra toppings for a fun twist.
- It’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To create mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, start by searing the chicken first. While it’s sizzling, cook the pasta in salted water. Once both are ready, whip up the creamy sauce to combine everything to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for shredded pork or try a vegetarian version using roasted veggies. Experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for added flavor. You can even toss in some crispy bacon bits for a smoky crunch!
Storing & Reheating
Store your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if it looks dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente; it will absorb some sauce while baking without becoming mushy.
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Don’t skip the broiling step; it creates that irresistible crispy top layer!
I once made this dish for a family barbecue, and my cousin declared it “life-changing.” Who knew mac and cheese could get such high praise? It turned into an instant classic at every family gathering after that!
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 tender, flavorful pieces of BBQ chicken. This recipe features a rich cheese sauce made from cheddar and cream, mixed with al dente pasta and topped with shredded chicken coated in tangy barbecue sauce. The result is a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
How do I make the cheese sauce for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
To create the cheese sauce for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, start by melting butter in a saucepan. Add flour to make a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Once thickened, stir in shredded cheese until it melts into a creamy consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and any desired spices to elevate the flavor. This base will give your mac and cheese that irresistible creaminess.
Can I use store-bought BBQ chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can definitely use store-bought BBQ chicken in your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. It saves time and adds convenience to your cooking process. Just shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces after warming it up with your favorite barbecue sauce. Using pre-cooked BBQ chicken allows you to focus on preparing the creamy mac and cheese while still enjoying great flavor.
What toppings can I add to my BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
You can enhance your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with various toppings. Consider adding crispy bacon bits for extra crunch or green onions for a fresh touch. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs can provide a delightful texture when baked. For an added kick, jalapeños or hot sauce can be included. Personalizing the toppings allows you to make this dish your own while complementing the smoky flavor of the barbecue chicken.
Conclusion for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese:
In summary, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly blends creamy macaroni with savory barbecue chicken. By creating a rich cheese sauce and incorporating tender shredded chicken, this recipe becomes a standout comfort food option. Feel free to customize your dish with various toppings to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a cozy family dinner, this delightful meal will surely impress everyone at the table.
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender barbecue chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni. This dish is a nostalgic favorite, evoking memories of summer gatherings while offering a burst of smokiness in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or festive occasions, it’s easily customizable to suit individual tastes, ensuring satisfaction for everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- 2. Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
- 3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux for about 2 minutes. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened (4-5 minutes). Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- 4. Combine Everything: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- 5. Top It Off: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
- 6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider using smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese. - To save time, you can use pre-cooked store-bought BBQ chicken. - Customize your dish by adding chopped vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
