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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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. 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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. 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. 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. 5. Top It Off: Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl and sprinkle over the macaroni mixture.
  6. 6. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

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.

Find it online: https://timeforkitchen.com/ultimate-bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-to-savor/