Irresistible BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for Ultimate Comfort

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese transforms a classic into a smoky, creamy comfort food that delights all.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitution: Feel free to use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
½ cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite variety for personal flair.

For the Pasta

8 oz Macaroni Substitution: Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work beautifully too.

For the Cheese Sauce

1 cup Cheddar Cheese Substitution: For a twist, try Gouda or pepper jack cheese.
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Substitution: Cream cheese can add extra creaminess if desired.
2 cups Milk Note: Whole or 2% milk yields the best results.
2 tablespoons Butter No substitutions recommended for optimum flavor.
2 tablespoons Flour No substitutions recommended.

For Flavoring

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
1 teaspoon Onion Powder If you prefer fresh, remember they’ll need a bit more cooking time.
to taste Salt and Pepper Adjust to taste for your perfect profile.

Equipment

Skillet
Large pot

Method

Preparation Steps

Season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat for about 12-14 minutes, turning once, until they reach a golden brown and are fully cooked. Shred the chicken afterward.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring it won't stick together.
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring for about 1 minute until a paste forms. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly until thickened and creamy, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until completely melted and smooth.
Fold in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and ½ cup of BBQ sauce into the cheese sauce until everything is well coated and evenly mixed. Heat it gently for a couple of minutes if needed.
Dish out the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese while hot. Optionally, drizzle with additional BBQ sauce or sprinkle with fresh herbs for an added splash of flavor.

Notes

Optional: Top with crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and flavor. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.