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.
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.