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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for Cozy Nights

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender chicken, rich cheeses, and tangy BBQ sauce for a comforting meal perfect for any gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course One-Pot Meals
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

  • large pot
  • saucepan
  • baking dish
  • spatula
  • whisk

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter or substitute with olive oil
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk whole milk recommended
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese sharp flavor
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for a stretchy texture
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or minced fresh garlic
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder or substitute with finely chopped onions
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

For the Chicken

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast leftover rotisserie chicken works great
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce choose your favorite brand or homemade

Toppings (Optional)

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping
  • to taste sliced green onions for garnish
  • to taste chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cooking Steps

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 1 pound of elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Gradually stir in ¼ cup of flour, cooking for about 1 minute until golden and forming a roux.
  • Slowly whisk in 3 cups of milk into the roux until smooth. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and fold in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until fully coated.
  • In a separate bowl, mix 2 cups of chicken with 1 cup of BBQ sauce. Fold this mixture into the macaroni and cheese.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
  • For a crunchy topping, sprinkle ½ cup of breadcrumbs over the top if desired.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Keep an eye on it for the perfect color.
  • Cool for about 10 minutes, then garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies or spices for a personal touch. Ensure to whisk the milk into the roux slowly to avoid lumps for the creamiest sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 600mgIron: 2mg
Keyword BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, cozy meals, Crowd-Pleaser, Weeknight Dinner
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