Looking for a comforting dish that combines the smoky flavors of BBQ with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese? You’re in for a treat! BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic favorite, perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or even game day. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between tangy BBQ sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness, ensuring every bite is a party for your taste buds. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t just any ordinary pasta dish; it’s a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Comfort Food at Its Best: There’s something incredibly satisfying about creamy mac and cheese, especially when it’s loaded with BBQ chicken. It’s the ultimate comfort food!
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have this delicious dish ready in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will fall in love with this dish. It’s a great way to get the whole family excited about dinner.
- Versatile: You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices according to your taste. Make it your own!
- Great for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prepping. You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ready to gather everything you need? Here’s a detailed list of ingredients to prepare your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese:
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces of elbow macaroni or your choice of pasta
- For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup of BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of whole milk
- 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Topping:
- 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s get started on making this delicious BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.
1. Cook the Pasta
In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the BBQ Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated. Set this mixture aside while you make the cheese sauce.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for about 1–2 minutes until bubbly and starting to turn golden.
Gradually add the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep on whisking until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. This should take about 5–7 minutes.
Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.
4. Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta and the BBQ chicken into the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is evenly coated. It should look deliciously cheesy and have that enticing BBQ flavor.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. If you wish, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of the mac and cheese.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. You’ll know it’s ready when it starts to bubble at the edges. This is where the magic happens!
8. Serve
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley or green onions if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
When it comes to enjoying your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, here are some tips to elevate your serving experience:
Serving Suggestions
- Pair it with a simple side salad for a refreshing contrast.
- Serve it with garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food combo.
- Add some steamed vegetables on the side to balance the richness of the dish.
Storage Tips
This dish is excellent for leftovers! Here’s how to store it:
- Allow any leftovers to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, simply microwave or bake until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Helpful Tips
- Chicken Options: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. Just shred it and mix it with BBQ sauce.
- Veggie Add-Ins: Consider mixing in vegetables like cooked broccoli, diced bell peppers, or even corn for added nutrition and flavor.
- Cheese Choices: While cheddar and mozzarella are great, feel free to add other cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist.
- BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite flavor profile, whether tangy, smoky, or sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dish, assemble it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it into the oven directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What type of pasta can I use?
While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, shells, or even gluten-free options.
How spicy is this dish?
The spice level largely depends on the BBQ sauce you choose. For a milder flavor, select a sweet BBQ sauce. For something with a kick, opt for a spicy or smoky variety.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! You can omit the chicken and instead add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or even smoked tofu for that BBQ flavor. Just make sure your BBQ sauce is vegetarian-friendly!
Conclusion
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comfort, flavor, and satisfaction. Perfect for any occasion, this dish will warm your heart and satisfy those cravings. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to whip up this crowd-pleasing dish. Don’t forget to share it with family and friends—they’ll be glad you did!
Print
Irresistible BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Comfort Food Delight
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in irresistible BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese a comfort food delight that combines smoky flavor and creamy goodness in every bite
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g