BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on the classic comfort food that combines creamy cheese sauce with smoky barbecue chicken. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering a satisfying blend of textures and rich flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (if using breadcrumbs)
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, using about 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
2. Step 2: Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
4. Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture, stirring often, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
6. Step 6: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Step 7: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce. Gently fold together until evenly mixed.
8. Step 8: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and fold until combined thoroughly.
9. Step 9: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
10. Step 10: Pour the BBQ chicken mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
11. Step 11: If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top.
12. Step 12: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Check around the 20-minute mark to monitor browning.
13. Step 13: Remove from the oven and let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra smoky flavor, consider using smoked cheddar cheese or adding a splash of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce.
• Substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled chicken or cooked sausage for a different protein twist.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier topping, and feel free to mix in some grated Parmesan for extra depth.
• If you prefer a saucier mac and cheese, add a little more milk when preparing the cheese sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of milk can help maintain creaminess when reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese mixture ahead and refrigerate it before baking. When ready, just bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it is heated through.

What type of BBQ sauce works best for this recipe?

Use your favorite BBQ sauce, whether sweet, spicy, or tangy. A thicker sauce tends to hold up better in the dish, but feel free to experiment to suit your taste.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

• Author: Jack
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese offers a delicious twist on the classic comfort food by combining creamy, cheesy macaroni with smoky, tangy BBQ chicken. Baked to golden perfection with an optional crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Chicken

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken)
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)

Cheese Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil using about 1 tablespoon of salt. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes.
2. Drain and Rinse: Drain the cooked pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
3. Make Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and slightly golden, forming a roux.
4. Add Milk and Thicken: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook the mixture for about 5-7 minutes until it thickens to a creamy sauce consistency.
5. Season Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
6. Melt Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creamy.
7. Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, folding gently to distribute evenly.
8. Mix with Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture, folding gently until everything is well coated.
9. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
10. Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
11. Assemble: Pour the combined mac and cheese mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
12. Add Topping (Optional): If using, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
13. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Check at around 20 minutes to monitor browning.
14. Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to set before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

Notes

• Using rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and convenience but any cooked chicken will work.
• Whole milk provides creaminess, but you can substitute with 2% milk for a lighter option.
• Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture contrast.
• For extra smoky flavor, consider using smoked cheddar cheese.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to bake time if baking cold.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Baked Pasta, Cheesy Casserole