Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender BBQ chicken for an irresistible dish. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, each bite delivers a delightful blend of smoky flavor and gooey texture. Easy to prepare and highly customizable, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, cook until no longer pink (6-7 minutes per side). Shred the chicken.
- Create the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
- Add cheeses and spices: Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth, then mix in onion powder and garlic powder.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with shredded chicken and cheese sauce until well coated.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour mixture into a greased baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg