BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken and a smoky barbecue twist. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, promising to satisfy your cravings while leaving your guests impressed. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese will quickly become a staple in your recipe repertoire.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp and mild)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake in a dish for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a pot over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour to create a roux; cook for about two minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about five minutes). Add cheddar cheese gradually until melted.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and barbecue sauce. Fold in the cheese sauce until everything is well coated.
- Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish; top with extra cheese if desired. Bake for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg