Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy macaroni with tender, smoky chicken and a zesty BBQ sauce. This dish creates an explosion of flavors that delights every palate, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With its rich cheese sauce and satisfying texture, this recipe is sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add macaroni and cook until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden brown (about 6-8 minutes).
- Create the Cheese Sauce: In another saucepan, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth; cook for about 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until thickened (about 3 minutes). Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and cheese sauce until well combined.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, drizzle with BBQ sauce on top, then bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg