BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that tantalizes your taste buds with its creamy, cheesy goodness and smoky barbecue flavors. This dish combines tender chicken, rich cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a culinary experience that warms the heart and pleases the crowd. Perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings, this crowd-pleaser will have everyone coming back for seconds!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken in oil until golden brown on both sides (6-8 minutes per side). Drizzle with BBQ sauce and set aside.
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente; drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk, stirring until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Combine cooked pasta, BBQ-coated chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Pour into a greased baking dish and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For extra flair, consider adding jalapeños or switching cheddar for gouda. Leftover rotisserie chicken can save time and enhance flavor.