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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

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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!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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. 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 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. 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. 4. Add Cheeses and BBQ Sauce: Remove sauce from heat; stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then mix in BBQ sauce.
  5. 5. Combine Everything: In a large bowl, combine pasta, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce; stir until evenly coated.
  6. 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

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.

Find it online: https://onedaycooking.com/irresistible-bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-delight/