Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a mouthwatering dish that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with tender, smoky chicken for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for cozy nights or lively gatherings, this recipe is an easy-to-make favorite that will keep everyone coming back for seconds. With a delightful balance of flavors and textures, it’s bound to be the star of your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic powder and whisk in milk until smooth.
- Gradually add cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Dice baked chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine macaroni, chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce; stir until coated.
- Transfer mixture to a greased casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: - For a smokier flavor, grill the chicken before baking. - Swap chicken for pulled pork or roasted veggies for variations. - Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently with a splash of milk.