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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender, smoky BBQ chicken with rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, delivering a comforting and hearty meal with smoky, tangy, and cheesy flavors. Ideal for family dinners, casual gatherings, or a satisfying solo treat, this dish is easy to make with simple pantry staples and is fully customizable to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni pasta

Chicken and BBQ

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast or thighs, shredded
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (smoky, tangy, or your favorite variety)

Cheese Sauce

  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour alternative)
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Topping

  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • Additional shredded cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Shred cooked chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces and toss them with your favorite BBQ sauce until well coated and flavorful.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes without browning. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened. Remove from heat and add shredded cheddar cheese, seasoning with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce: Mix the cooked pasta and BBQ chicken into the cheese sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir everything together until well coated.
  5. Optional bake for topping: Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • Use sharp cheddar for richer flavor and better melting.
  • Do not overcook pasta to avoid mushiness.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or smoked cheese for extra smoky flavor.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning after combining all ingredients to balance flavors perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Macaroni and Cheese, BBQ Recipe, Cheesy Pasta, Family Dinner

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