Hey there! If you’re a fan of mac n cheese and love BBQ chicken, you’re in for a treat! This BBQ Chicken Mac n Cheese is a fun and tasty twist on the classic comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with the smoky, savory goodness of BBQ chicken. Whether you’re making it for dinner, a party, or just a cozy night in, this recipe will definitely hit the spot!
Method
Cook the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chicken breasts, seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside. The chicken should no longer be pink in the center. Once the chicken is done, add 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce to it and mix well, ensuring the chicken is coated in the sauce. Set the chicken aside as you move on to the next steps.
Prepare the Pasta
Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Once the pasta is al dente (firm to the bite), drain it in a colander, and then set it aside for later. This step ensures the pasta is perfectly cooked without becoming too soft once it’s baked in the sauce.
Make the Cheesy Sauce
While the pasta is cooking, it’s time to make the creamy, cheesy sauce. In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the milk, heavy cream, and the remaining BBQ sauce. Stir the mixture constantly, ensuring everything is well combined and warmed through. After the mixture is heated, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. This step is crucial for creating that rich, velvety texture that will coat the pasta perfectly.
Combine It All
Now that you have your cheesy sauce and chicken ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. In a 9×13 baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, BBQ chicken, and the creamy cheesy sauce. Use a wooden spoon to mix everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce. Make sure that the chicken is distributed well throughout the mixture so that every bite is full of flavor.
Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Once your oven is ready, place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mac n cheese is bubbly and the top has turned a light golden brown. Baking it allows the flavors to meld together and gives the dish a nice, crispy top while keeping the inside creamy and comforting. After baking, remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
Necessary Tools
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Skillet (for cooking chicken)
- 9×13 baking dish (for baking the mac n cheese)
- Wooden spoon (for stirring)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and chopping board
BBQ Chicken Mac n Cheese A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings10
minutes30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
2 chicken breasts (diced)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 lb elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Cook the chicken In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced chicken with a bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder until it’s cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Once cooked, mix it with 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce and set aside.
- Prepare the pasta In a large pot, cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the cheesy sauce In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk, cream, and remaining BBQ sauce, stirring constantly. Once it’s warmed up, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine it all In the 9×13 baking dish, mix the cooked pasta, BBQ chicken, and cheesy sauce. Make sure everything is well combined.
- Bake to perfection Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the mac n cheese for about 15-20 minutes until it’s bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Notes
- Be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly, especially since we’re using BBQ sauce that can caramelize. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Don’t overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook when baked in the cheesy sauce.
- If you like your mac n cheese extra cheesy, feel free to add more shredded cheese before baking!
Serving Suggestions
This BBQ Chicken Mac n Cheese goes great with a side salad or some crispy garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also serve it with some grilled veggies for extra flavor and crunch. Trust me, your guests will love it!
Fun Fact
Did you know that mac n cheese has been a popular dish in the United States since the 1700s? It’s considered comfort food for many, and adding BBQ chicken to it just makes it even better!
Conclusion
This BBQ Chicken Mac n Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a smoky twist! It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. The creamy cheese sauce mixed with BBQ chicken is a flavor explosion, and I’m sure it’ll become a family favorite. Enjoy!
