Description

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of smoky barbecue flavors, tender chicken, and creamy cheese that will elevate your comfort food game. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also customizable to suit your taste. With every cheesy bite, you’ll be transported back to joyous times around the dinner table, making it a must-try for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
1 cup BBQ sauce
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups whole milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta: Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook elbow macaroni for about 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat, season diced chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
3. Make cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until combined; gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
4. Combine: In the pot with pasta, mix in the cheese sauce and BBQ sauce until well combined.
5. Bake (optional): For a crunchy topping, transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 490
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 860mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg