Irresistible BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Delight

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings together the smoky, savory goodness of barbecue chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta. Imagine digging into a bowl filled with gooey cheese, tender chicken, and a hint of tangy barbecue sauce that dances on your taste buds. spicy chicken soup fresh chicken avocado wrap It’s a dish that not only warms your belly but also your soul, making it perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. creamy white sauce recipe. For more inspiration, check out this Pesto Chicken Lettuce Wraps recipe.

This dish holds a special place in my heart; I remember the first time I served it at a potluck. The looks of delight on my friends’ faces as they took their first bites were priceless. It was one of those moments where you just know you’ve hit culinary gold! Whether it’s game day or a backyard barbecue, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is sure to impress everyone around the table. For more inspiration, check out this Blackstone Garlic Parmesan Chicken recipe.

Sharing this delightful dish with friends led to cheers and requests for seconds—who can resist such cheesy goodness?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many guests you have.

• Medium Shell Pasta: These shells hold the cheese sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

• Barbecue Sauce: Choose your favorite brand; the smoky flavor elevates the entire dish.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: For that rich, tangy flavor—grate it fresh if possible for maximum meltiness.

• Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess; it helps create that luscious cheese sauce.

• Butter: Unsalted butter adds richness to the sauce without overwhelming flavors.

• Flour: Use all-purpose flour to create a roux that thickens your cheese sauce perfectly.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have for flavor; it pairs wonderfully with both chicken and cheese.

• Onion Powder: Adds depth to the overall taste profile without being overpowering.

• Black Pepper and Salt: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

**Prepare the Chicken**: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper before baking them until fully cooked—about 25-30 minutes should do it.

**Cook the Pasta**: While the chicken is baking, prepare your medium shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while dreaming about cheesy goodness.

**Make the Cheese Sauce**: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Stir in flour to create a roux; cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

**Add Milk and Cheese**: Gradually whisk in milk while cooking until thickened. Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted—enjoy that gooey texture!

**Combine Everything**: Once your chicken has cooled slightly, shred it into bite-sized pieces. Mix together pasta, shredded chicken, barbecue sauce, and cheese sauce until thoroughly combined.

**Bake It All Together**: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—your kitchen will smell divine!

With BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ready to serve, gather everyone around as you indulge in this comforting masterpiece. comforting chicken and stuffing Enjoy every last cheesy bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the pasta while grilling or baking the chicken; this saves time and keeps everything warm.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap cheddar for gouda or add jalapeños for an extra kick of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for best texture.

Sharing a potluck dish of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese led to my friends declaring me their culinary hero—who knew cheesy pasta could unite us all?

FAQ

Can I use different types of cheese in BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! Mixing cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack adds unique flavors.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken?

Grilling gives a smoky flavor, but baking also works well if you’re short on time.

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

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and bake just before serving.

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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

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• Author: Anastasia Chen
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, a creamy and smoky twist on the classic dish that’s perfect for any gathering. Picture tender chicken enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, complemented by barbecue flavors that tantalize your taste buds. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a heartwarming comfort food that brings family and friends together. Easy to prepare and utterly delicious, it’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table!

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz medium shell pasta
• 1 cup barbecue sauce
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
2. Cook the medium shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour to create a roux; cook for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
4. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened. Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted.
5. Shred baked chicken into bite-sized pieces and combine with pasta, barbecue sauce, and cheese sauce.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Comfort Food
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg