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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Twist on Tradition

Experience the comforting BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, combining tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and a rich cheese blend in just 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Rotisserie chicken works beautifully.
For the BBQ Sauce
  • 0.5 cup BBQ Sauce Feel free to experiment with different varieties.
For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Macaroni Penne or rotini can also be used.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Switch to gouda for variations.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Cream cheese can be added for more creaminess.
  • 2 cups Milk Substitute with cream for a richer sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Margarine can be used as a dairy-free alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Thickens the sauce.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Colander

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
  1. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of oil. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest before shredding it.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 7-8 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot, keeping it warm.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, along with garlic powder and onion powder. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring until thoroughly coated. Pour in ½ cup of BBQ sauce, continuing to stir until evenly combined.
  6. Spoon your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls or a serving dish. Drizzle additional BBQ sauce on top or garnish with herbs before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 20IUCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk if necessary.

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