Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful dish that merges creamy, cheesy pasta with tender shredded chicken coated in smoky, tangy BBQ sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a delicious flavor fusion that is easy to prepare, customizable, and loved by both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Pasta
- Elbow macaroni – 2 cups
Chicken and Sauce
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded – 2 cups
- BBQ sauce – 1/2 cup (adjust to taste)
Cheese Sauce
- Butter – 3 tablespoons
- All-purpose flour – 3 tablespoons
- Milk or cream – 2 cups
- Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded – 2 cups
- Smoked paprika – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
- Black pepper – 1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
- Onion, finely chopped – 1/4 cup
- Garlic, finely chopped – 2 cloves
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside to maintain a firm texture that will absorb the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, shred the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Toss the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the milk or cream, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese sauce is silky and creamy. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic for aroma and depth.
- Combine All Components: Add the cooked macaroni and BBQ-coated chicken into the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated and heated through, blending smoky BBQ with creamy cheese in each bite.
- Bake for a Golden Finish (Optional): Transfer the combined mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown, creating a delightful crust.
Notes
- Choose a quality BBQ sauce that suits your taste preference: smoky, sweet, or spicy.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Shred chicken evenly for balanced bites of chicken and sauce.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for better melt and richer flavor.
- Be patient while thickening the cheese sauce to achieve a smooth consistency without lumps.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg