BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the smoky flavor of barbecue chicken. Imagine a warm bowl filled with tender pasta, rich cheese sauce, and chunks of juicy barbecue chicken, all harmonizing in a deliciously satisfying meal.
Every time I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, it takes me back to summer cookouts and family gatherings where laughter mingled with the aroma of grilled chicken. This dish is perfect for cozy nights in or lively potlucks, promising an explosion of flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Its rich flavors balance smokiness and creaminess perfectly.
- The colorful presentation turns every serving into a feast for the eyes.
- It’s versatile enough to adapt to your pantry staples or dietary preferences.
I remember one family gathering when I brought this dish. It vanished faster than a magician’s rabbit—everyone begged for the recipe!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts for a hearty portion; adjust based on your crowd size.
- Elbow Macaroni: Classic choice! Cook until al dente for that perfect bite.
- Cheddar Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar; it adds that extra punch of flavor.
- BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite brand or homemade; it makes all the difference in taste.
- Milk: Whole milk works best for creamy sauce; you can also use half-and-half if you’re feeling indulgent.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning in your dish.
- Flour: All-purpose flour thickens your cheese sauce beautifully—no lumps allowed!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those wonderful flavors.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy mac and cheese.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Chicken: While pasta cooks, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking until bubbly and slightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; let simmer until thickened.
Add Cheeses and BBQ Sauce: Remove sauce from heat; stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Mix in BBQ sauce for that smoky flavor kick—don’t be shy!
Combine Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir well until all pasta is coated evenly with that delicious mixture.
Bake It Up!: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs for crunch! Bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe will elevate your dinner game like never before!
- Prepare it for casual weeknights or festive gatherings—it’s sure to impress everyone at the table!
Content
Tip: Use smoked paprika for a richer flavor profile in your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. I’ve found it adds a delightful smokiness that elevates the dish.
Tip: Cook pasta al dente for the perfect texture; it holds up better when mixed with the creamy sauce. Trust me, no one likes mushy mac!
Tip: Let the dish rest before serving; this helps flavors meld beautifully. My family always raves about how much better it tastes after sitting a bit.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing your chicken to lock in juices, then cook pasta while creating your cheesy sauce. This method saves time and ensures everything is perfectly cooked together.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular cheese for a fun blend of pepper jack and cheddar. Toss in veggies like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk for creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To avoid clumping, grate your cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded varieties.
- Freshly grated cheese melts smoother and offers better flavor.
For added flavor, consider marinating your chicken in BBQ sauce overnight before cooking.
- This enhances both moisture and taste significantly.
When mixing pasta with sauce, reserve some pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- It’s a chef’s secret weapon!
I remember the first time I made BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for my friends; they devoured it! Their laughter echoed as they fought over the last spoonful—definitely a winner!
FAQ
What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?
You can use homemade sauces or different flavored sauces to mix things up.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap chicken for grilled vegetables or tempeh for a delicious vegetarian option.
How do I prevent my mac and cheese from becoming dry?
Add extra cheese or milk when reheating to maintain creaminess without dryness.
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of creamy pasta, rich cheese, and smoky barbecue chicken. This comforting dish brings the flavors of summer cookouts right to your table, making it perfect for cozy nights or festive gatherings. With its inviting aroma and satisfying taste, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese promises to impress everyone at dinner!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
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 with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, add oil and cook chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- 3. Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux; cook until bubbly. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth; let simmer until thickened.
- 4. Add Cheeses and BBQ Sauce: Remove sauce from heat; stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then mix in BBQ sauce.
- 5. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce; stir until evenly coated.
- 6. Bake It Up: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For added flavor, marinate chicken in BBQ sauce overnight. Substitute cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy kick. To keep leftovers creamy when reheating, add a splash of milk.
