Combining two classic comfort foods into one mouthwatering dish. BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese takes the smoky, savory flavor of barbecue chicken and pairs it with the creamy, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese. It’s the kind of meal that feels familiar yet exciting, delivering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional mac and cheese.
Why You’ll Love BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- A perfect blend of creamy and smoky flavors.
- Great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or family gatherings.
- Simple ingredients that come together in a rich, satisfying dish.
- Easy to customize with your favorite cheeses and BBQ sauce.
- Comfort food at its best, with a hearty and satisfying taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and why they are essential for this dish:
| Ingredient | Description | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken breast | Tender, lean protein | Provides the main meaty element |
| BBQ sauce | Tangy, smoky sauce | Adds a bold, barbecue flavor |
| Elbow macaroni | Classic pasta shape | Holds the creamy cheese sauce well |
| Sharp cheddar cheese | Rich, sharp, melty flavor | Provides the cheesy backbone |
| Mozzarella cheese | Mild and stretchy | Enhances the creamy texture |
| Butter | Adds richness and smoothness | Creates a base for the cheese sauce |
| Flour | Thickening agent | Helps create a roux for the sauce |
| Whole milk | Creamy base | Makes the sauce smooth and rich |
| Onion powder | Mild, savory note | Balances the cheese and BBQ flavors |
| Garlic powder | Aromatic and savory | Adds depth to the cheese sauce |
| Salt and pepper | Basic seasoning | Balances flavors |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cooking the Chicken
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, and onion powder for a flavorful base.
- Grill or sauté the chicken until fully cooked and juicy. Shred the cooked chicken and coat it with BBQ sauce. Set aside.
Preparing the Mac and Cheese
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking to create a smooth sauce. Let it simmer and thicken.
- Add the sharp cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated.
- Season the sauce with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Combining BBQ Chicken and Mac and Cheese
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until well coated.
- Gently fold in the shredded BBQ chicken. Mix until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the mac and cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with extra cheese if desired.
- Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes or until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve hot with a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for added flavor.
- Pair with a simple coleslaw to balance the richness.
- Try adding a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits for extra texture.
Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Cheese Tip: Always use freshly grated cheese for the best melting consistency.
- BBQ Sauce Tip: Opt for a smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce to balance the creamy cheese.
- Baking Tip: Cover the dish with foil if the top browns too quickly.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbohydrates | 50g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 10g |
FAQ
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works great. Just coat it with BBQ sauce before adding to the mac and cheese.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne or cavatappi also work well, as they hold the sauce similarly to elbow macaroni.
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines the comforting taste of traditional mac and cheese with the smoky flavor of barbecue chicken. This dish is hearty, satisfying, and full of bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and smoky BBQ drizzle make it an irresistible fusion dish. Try it today and discover your new favorite comfort food!
PrintBBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a fusion dish that combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender, smoky barbecue chicken, creating a hearty and flavorful comfort food.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Chicken breast – Lean protein that absorbs BBQ flavor.
- BBQ sauce – Smoky and tangy, adds a bold barbecue kick.
- Elbow macaroni – Holds the creamy cheese sauce well.
- Sharp cheddar cheese – Rich and sharp, the backbone of the cheese sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese – Mild and stretchy, enhances the creamy texture.
- Butter – Adds richness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Flour – Thickening agent to create a smooth sauce.
- Whole milk – Creamy base for a rich and velvety sauce.
- Onion powder – Mild, savory note that complements the cheese.
- Garlic powder – Aromatic depth to balance the cheesy flavor.
- Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning to balance the dish.
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Cook until fully done and shred. Coat with BBQ sauce and set aside.
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt butter and add flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk to create a smooth sauce.
- Add cheddar and mozzarella to the sauce, stirring until melted. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and gently fold in the BBQ chicken.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese if desired, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
- Opt for a slightly sweet BBQ sauce to balance the savory cheese.
- Cover the dish during baking if the top browns too quickly.
