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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy classic mac and cheese with tender, smoky BBQ chicken for a comforting, flavorful meal. This dish features perfectly cooked elbow macaroni smothered in a rich cheese sauce blended with sharp cheddar and mozzarella, then mixed with shredded BBQ chicken. It can be baked for a golden crust or served immediately for a creamy experience, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Chicken and Sauce

  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
  • 2 cups milk (warmed)
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking and mushiness later.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until smooth and creamy.
  3. Mix in BBQ Chicken: Add shredded cooked chicken and BBQ sauce into the cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat all chicken pieces with smoky BBQ flavor.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese and BBQ chicken mixture over the cooked pasta. Gently stir until every noodle is fully covered with the cheesy, smoky sauce.
  5. Bake or Serve: For a golden, bubbly top, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned. Alternatively, serve immediately for a quick, creamy dish.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
  • Do not overcook pasta; al dente maintains texture during baking.
  • Add warm milk gradually to the roux to prevent lumps in the sauce.
  • Pick a quality BBQ sauce to enhance the smoky flavor.
  • Reserve extra cheese for topping to create a delicious crust when baked.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, smoky mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, barbecue chicken recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese/