BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your comfort food expectations! Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic macaroni and cheese, elevated to a whole new level with the smoky, tangy, and utterly irresistible flavors of barbecue chicken. This isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s a culinary adventure.

Macaroni and cheese, a dish with roots tracing back to medieval Europe, has become a beloved staple in American cuisine. Its simplicity and comforting nature have made it a favorite across generations. But why stop at tradition? By adding barbecue chicken, we’re infusing this classic with a modern twist, creating a dish that’s both familiar and exciting.

People adore BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for its perfect balance of textures and tastes. The creamy, smooth mac and cheese provides a comforting base, while the tender, smoky chicken adds a delightful chewiness and a burst of savory flavor. The tangy barbecue sauce ties everything together, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more. It’s also incredibly convenient! This one-pot wonder is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. So, ditch the boring dinners and get ready to indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup!

Ingredients:

• For the Mac and Cheese:
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, your preference!)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but adds a lovely nutty flavor)
• For the BBQ Chicken:
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (I love a smoky, sweet one!)
• For the Topping (Optional, but highly recommended!):
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

1. Season the Chicken: First things first, let’s get that chicken ready! Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts to the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If you need to, cook the chicken in batches. Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it’s nicely browned. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this point; we’ll finish it in the BBQ sauce.
3. Simmer in BBQ Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour your favorite BBQ sauce over the seared chicken breasts. Make sure the chicken is well coated in the sauce. Cover the skillet and let the chicken simmer in the BBQ sauce for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
4. Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the skillet with the BBQ sauce and toss to coat. Set aside.

Making the Creamy Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. This is crucial! You want the pasta to have a little bite to it because it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken our cheese sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux; you want it to be a light golden color.
3. Add the Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to whisk constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken slightly. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices add a wonderful depth of flavor to the cheese sauce.
5. Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Gruyere cheese (if using), stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Make sure to add the cheese in batches, allowing each batch to melt completely before adding the next. This will prevent the cheese from clumping.
6. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine. Make sure all the macaroni is coated in the creamy cheese sauce.

Assembling the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese:

1. Preheat the Oven (If Baking): If you’re planning to bake the mac and cheese (which I highly recommend for that extra golden crust!), preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Chicken and Mac and Cheese: Gently fold the shredded BBQ chicken into the mac and cheese. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the chicken and mac and cheese distinct.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish (Optional): If baking, transfer the BBQ chicken mac and cheese to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. You can also use individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
4. Prepare the Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
5. Add the Topping (Optional): Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the BBQ chicken mac and cheese.
6. Bake (Optional): Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
7. Broil (Optional): For an extra crispy topping, broil the mac and cheese for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the BBQ chicken mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Gouda, Havarti, and Pepper Jack are all great additions.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian version.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese and the BBQ chicken separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and combine them just before baking.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this in a slow cooker! Cook the macaroni separately, then combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.

Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be real. If you’ve made it this far, you’re probably already drooling. And trust me, you have every right to be! This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup, bringing together the creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave with the smoky, tangy kick of barbecue chicken. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a family of four or hosting a casual get-together.

But why is this recipe a must-try? Because it’s more than just mac and cheese. It’s an experience. The tender chicken, coated in your favorite BBQ sauce, adds a depth of flavor that elevates the classic dish to a whole new level. The creamy cheese sauce, perfectly balanced with the smoky chicken, creates a symphony of tastes that will have you coming back for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. You can use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even quickly cook up some chicken breasts specifically for this recipe. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Now, let’s talk about how to make this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese even more amazing. For serving, I love to top it with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. A side of coleslaw or a simple green salad adds a nice contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce on top never hurts!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own. Try adding some crispy bacon bits for extra smoky flavor. Or, if you like a little heat, toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. You could even swap out the cheddar cheese for a blend of Monterey Jack and pepper jack for a spicier kick. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with black beans or grilled corn. The key is to have fun and get creative!

Seriously, I’m telling you, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you’re craving something comforting and delicious. It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, and it’s so easy to customize to your own preferences. So, what are you waiting for?

Time to Get Cooking!

I truly believe that this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. It’s that good! So, grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun in the kitchen! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, and this recipe is designed to be both delicious and stress-free.

Once you’ve tried it, I’d absolutely love to hear what you think! Share your photos and comments on social media using [Your Hashtag Here] or leave a review below. Let me know what variations you tried and how you made it your own. I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!

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