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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Savory BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for Comfort Food Lovers

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese, perfect for comfort food lovers.
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Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: baked pasta, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, chicken recipes, comfort food, family dinners, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 600kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large saucepan
  • Whisk
  • spatula
  • Baking dish

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter adds richness to the sauce
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour helps thicken the cheese sauce
  • 3 cups milk whole milk for extra creaminess
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese brings sharp and tangy flavor
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese adds delightful stretch
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder adds depth to sauce
  • salt for seasoning
  • pepper for seasoning

For the Chicken Mixture

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast makes dish hearty
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce infuses smoky sweetness

For the Toppings

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs for crunchy topping if desired
  • sliced green onions for garnish
  • chopped fresh parsley optional garnish

Instructions

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • Melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour while stirring gently, cooking for about 1 minute.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly and bringing to a gentle simmer for about 5-7 minutes until thickened.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate.
  • Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until thoroughly coated.
  • Mix cooked chicken with BBQ sauce in a separate bowl until well coated.
  • Combine the BBQ chicken mixture with the macaroni and cheese, ensuring everything is well mixed.
  • Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
  • Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for texture.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  • Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions and parsley, if desired.

Notes

This dish can be prepared a day in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for later use.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 600kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 900mg | Potassium: 600mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 15IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 10mg