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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Drain and Rinse: Drain the cooked pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to halt the cooking process. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- Season Sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Melt Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the sauce, stirring until completely melted and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta with shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, folding gently to distribute evenly.
- Mix with Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture, folding gently until everything is well coated.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Assemble: Pour the combined mac and cheese mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Add Topping (Optional): If using, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- 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.
- 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
