If you love comfort food with a twist, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is about to blow your mind. Imagine tender, juicy chicken slathered in smoky BBQ sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy pasta that’s indulgent but not too heavy. It’s a game-changer that combines the best of two worlds—comfort food and bold flavors. This dish is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to casual get-togethers with friends. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure deliciousness!
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Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
This recipe isn’t just about combining chicken and mac and cheese—it’s about creating a whole new flavor experience. Here’s why it’s an instant favorite:
Flavor Explosion: The smoky BBQ chicken and creamy cheese blend perfectly for a bold, mouthwatering bite every time.
Comforting Yet Exciting: You get all the cozy, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese, with the added kick of BBQ sauce. It’s familiar yet exciting.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish comes together in a flash—perfect for busy weeknights when you want something filling but don’t have a ton of time.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a dinner party, everyone will be asking for seconds.
Customizable: You can make it as tangy, smoky, or spicy as you like. Feel free to add extra BBQ sauce, heat it up with some jalapeños, or throw in extra cheese for a richer flavor.
Ingredients
The secret to this dish’s incredible flavor is all about the combination of simple ingredients. Here’s what you need:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender and juicy, chicken is the star of this dish, soaking up all that BBQ goodness.
BBQ Sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce—whether you like it sweet, smoky, or tangy, it’s the perfect way to flavor the chicken.
Macaroni: Elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you love, holding that creamy cheese sauce in every bite.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives this dish its rich, cheesy base that’s absolutely irresistible.
Mozzarella Cheese: Adds a melty, gooey texture that takes this mac and cheese to the next level.
Milk: Creates a creamy, smooth sauce that blends perfectly with the cheeses.
Butter: Helps create that perfect cheesy sauce texture and adds a little richness.
Flour: Used to thicken the sauce and create a creamy consistency.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: For extra savory flavor in the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: To taste, bringing all the flavors together in perfect harmony.
Instructions
Here’s how to make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that will have everyone at the table asking for more:
Cook the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked through. Remove from heat and shred the chicken with two forks.
Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about a minute. Slowly whisk in the milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook, whisking constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Cheese: Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir to combine until everything is coated in that creamy, tangy goodness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot with an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce on top, or garnish with fresh herbs for a little pop of color.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 500
Preparation Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
This dish is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a few sides:
Fresh Salad: A crisp, tangy salad with a vinaigrette will complement the richness of the mac and cheese.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is the perfect accompaniment to soak up any extra sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli or brussels sprouts are a great way to balance out the richness of the dish.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this dish:
Add More BBQ Sauce: For extra tang and smokiness, drizzle some additional BBQ sauce over the top when serving.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version of this dish.
Make It Spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some chopped jalapeños to bring the heat.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess.
Double the Batch: This dish freezes well, so make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal later on.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different kind of cheese?
A1: Of course! You could try using gouda, pepper jack, or even cream cheese for a different flavor and texture.
Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make everything ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Absolutely! Let it cool, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop.
Q5: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A5: Definitely! Any short pasta, like penne or rotini, will work perfectly in this dish.
Q6: Can I make this vegetarian?
A6: Sure! Just omit the chicken and add some extra veggies or use a meat substitute.
Q7: Can I add bacon to this?
A7: Yes, bacon would be an awesome addition to this dish for extra crunch and flavor.
Q8: How do I make this recipe spicier?
A8: You can add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to bring the heat.
Q9: Can I use a different BBQ sauce?
A9: Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite BBQ sauce—whether it’s sweet, tangy, or smoky.
Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for larger gatherings or meal prep.
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a perfect combination of creamy, cheesy comfort with a bold BBQ twist. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or making it for a crowd, it’s sure to become a favorite. Easy, flavorful, and satisfying—what more could you ask for? Enjoy!
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously smoky, creamy, and cheesy dish. Packed with tender pieces of chicken and a rich, tangy BBQ sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a high-protein twist. Perfect for a family dinner or high-protein meal prep. This dish combines the best of BBQ and mac and cheese in one mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk (low-fat preferred)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and continue stirring until everything is well mixed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- For extra flavor, add a handful of crispy bacon bits or some sautéed onions.
- This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 75mg