Description
A comforting and creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that combines the indulgence of traditional mac and cheese with smoky and tangy barbecue chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: Green onions, sliced; Extra BBQ sauce, for drizzling; Panko breadcrumbs, for crunch
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Ensure to salt the water for added flavor. Drain the pasta, keeping about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter, then stir in the flour, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Whisk in the milk slowly, ensuring no lumps. Stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat to low and gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Combine the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce in a separate bowl until fully coated.
- Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, folding in the BBQ chicken mixture. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Pour everything into a greased baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden, broiling for a few extra minutes for more browning if desired.
Notes
Feel free to customize with turkey, beef, or different cheese blends. Consider meal prep and optional ingredient swaps for healthier versions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg