Barbecue Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Fusion

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food that brings together the rich, creamy texture of macaroni and cheese with the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ chicken. Imagine indulging in a bowl of velvety cheese sauce enveloping al dente pasta, topped with succulent pieces of glazed BBQ chicken, and finished with a sprinkle of crispy breadcrumbs. The aroma wafting from your kitchen will draw anyone in and make their mouths water in anticipation. This dish is perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just a cozy night in, and it’s sure to become a staple recipe that everyone will adore.

Quick Facts

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Servings: 6

Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• For the BBQ Chicken:

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)

• For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

• For the Topping:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your delicious BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 7-8 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

2. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until it forms a light roux.

4. Gradually pour in the whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).

5. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for another minute.

6. Remove the saucepan from heat and add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

7. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni, BBQ chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated.

Step 5: Prepare the Topping

8. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and Italian seasoning. This step adds a crispy texture to the top of your dish.

Step 6: Bake

9. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.

10. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve

11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the dish set slightly.

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Shred Your Chicken: Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. It adds extra seasoning to the BBQ mix.
2. Cheese Selection: Mixing different types of cheese can enhance the flavor. Consider adding gouda or pepper jack for a kick.
3. Cook Pasta al Dente: To prevent overcooking when you bake the dish, ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked before combining it with the cheese sauce.
4. Breadcrumb Variations: For a gourmet touch, try adding grated Parmesan cheese or herbs into your breadcrumb mix for added flavor.
5. Extra Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier mac and cheese, add an additional half cup of cheese to the sauce.

Variations and Substitutions

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with roasted vegetables or smoky tempeh for a delicious veggie alternative.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to keep this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• Healthier Swaps: For a lighter dish, use low-fat milk and cheese, or substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cheese sauce for added protein.

Storage and Reheating Tips

To store leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, allow it to cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. To maintain moisture, you may want to add a splash of milk before reheating.

FAQ

1. Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just extend the baking time slightly.

2. What type of BBQ sauce works best?
The best BBQ sauce will depend on your personal preference, but a sweet and smoky variety generally pairs beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese. Try different flavors to find your favorite.

3. Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with toppings. Crispy bacon, sliced green onions, or even jalapeños can add delicious variations.

4. Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Allow it to cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.

5. How do I know when the mac and cheese is done baking?
The mac and cheese is done when the top is golden and crispy, and the edges are bubbling. Use a fork to test the texture; it should be creamy inside.

Nutrition Estimate

Per serving, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese contains approximately 550 calories, 25 grams of protein, 50 grams of carbohydrates, and 20 grams of fat. This comforting dish balances indulgence with savory flavors that can satisfy your cravings and leave you comforted and happy.

With its hearty combination of flavors and textures, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a recipe you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying a comforting night in, this dish will surely become a family favorite. Enjoy!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

A delightful twist on classic mac and cheese with the smoky, tangy flavors of BBQ chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and a crispy breadcrumb topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the BBQ Chicken

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce your choice of flavor

For the Mac and Cheese

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika optional

For the Topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (usually about 7-8 minutes). Drain the pasta and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Mix until the chicken is thoroughly coated. Set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until it forms a light roux.
• Gradually pour in the whole milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook for another minute.
• Remove the saucepan from heat and add in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combining

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked elbow macaroni, BBQ chicken, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well-coated.

Prepare the Topping

• In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and Italian seasoning.

Baking

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serving

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For perfect results: Use leftover rotisserie chicken, try mixing different types of cheese, ensure pasta is slightly undercooked, experiment with breadcrumb variations, and consider adding more cheese for creaminess. For variations, try a vegetarian option or substitutes for health.

Keyword BBQ Chicken, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Macaroni and Cheese