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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Comfort in Every Cheesy Bite

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy goodness with smoky BBQ flavor for a quick, satisfying dinner.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitute with rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Macaroni (Elbow) Can substitute with any small pasta like penne or rotini.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Adds richness and helps create a creamy sauce texture.
  • 1/4 cup Flour Can use cornstarch as a gluten-free alternative.
  • 2 cups Milk Use whole or low-fat milk according to preference.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Provides a sharp and rich cheesy flavor; swap with gouda or pepper jack for different tastes.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Contributes a gooey, melty texture; cream cheese can be used for a richer sauce.
For Flavoring
  • 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite based on preferred sweetness or smokiness.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder For extra savory flavor in the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Enhances the dish with savory notes.
  • to taste Salt For seasoning to enhance overall flavors.
  • to taste Pepper For seasoning to enhance overall flavors.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of olive oil. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown. Remove from the heat, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then shred the chicken with two forks.
  2. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions, typically around 6-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ensuring to leave a little pasta water in case you need it later for adjusting the sauce.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in ¼ cup of flour, creating a roux; cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add in 2 cups of milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic powder and onion powder for added depth of flavor.
  4. Lower the heat and begin incorporating the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the thickened milk mixture. Stir gently until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Taste the cheese sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat the pasta. Then, fold in the shredded chicken along with your favorite BBQ sauce, mixing until everything is well combined.
  6. Dish out the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese while it's still hot and creamy. For an added touch, drizzle more BBQ sauce on top and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For best results, serve fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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