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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese That Will Change Your Weeknights

A comforting BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that's quick to prepare and customizable, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 700

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitute with rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Macaroni Any short pasta works as a substitute.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Try gouda or pepper jack for a different taste.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Omit for a lighter version.
  • 2 cups Milk Consider using half-and-half for a richer consistency.
  • 2 tbsp Butter Olive oil can be swapped in for a lighter feel.
  • 2 tbsp Flour Gluten-free flour is a great option.
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder Swap with fresh garlic for a fresher taste.
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder Swap with fresh onion for a fresher taste.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to your taste preferences.
  • to taste Pepper Adjust to your taste preferences.
For the BBQ Flavor
  • ¾ cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite—sweet, tangy, or spicy.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Begin by seasoning the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a splash of oil, then pan-sear the chicken for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Once cooked, remove from heat and let cool before shredding the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  2. While the chicken is cooling, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 7–9 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and return it to the pot, ensuring it stays warm while you make the cheese sauce.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking to eliminate lumps, and continue cooking for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and bubbles gently. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
  4. To the warm pot of macaroni, add the shredded chicken and ¾ cup of BBQ sauce. Pour the cheese sauce over everything and gently fold until all ingredients are coated evenly. The BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese should be rich and creamy, with every piece of pasta enveloped in cheesy goodness.
  5. Spoon generous portions of the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese onto plates, drizzling with additional BBQ sauce if desired. For a touch of color and extra flavor, consider garnishing with chopped green onions or parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 700kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 20gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 120mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 500mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed.

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