If you’re craving comfort food with a fun and flavorful update, look no further than BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe. This dish takes the creaminess and cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese and kicks it up a notch with tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky, tangy BBQ sauce. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines rich textures with bold flavors, perfect for cozy family dinners or feeding a hungry crowd with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is surprisingly simple, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, smoky, cheesy, and slightly sweet flavors in this dish. From pasta that holds the sauce beautifully to cheeses that melt into silky sauce, every element builds layers of satisfaction.
- 1 pound elbow macaroni: The classic shape that captures all that cheesy sauce.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver and adds tender protein.
- 1 cup BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite for smoky, tangy flavor that ties the dish together.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for the rich roux base of the cheese sauce.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Combines with butter to thicken the sauce perfectly.
- 3 cups whole milk: Creaminess to make the cheese sauce luscious.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds punchy, melty cheesiness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey stretch and mild flavor.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Brings warmth and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a smoky undertone that complements BBQ.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Crucial seasoning to bring everything to life.
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional): For a crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy interior.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (if using breadcrumbs): Helps the topping brown beautifully.
- Chopped green onions or parsley: Fresh garnish to brighten every bite.
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding about a tablespoon of salt not only flavors the pasta but enhances the whole dish later. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente—tender but with a slight bite—which will hold up beautifully once baked and sauced.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce Base
While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking it until it bubbles and turns slightly golden. This is the foundation for that silky cheese sauce we all crave, ensuring it thickens perfectly with no lumps.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Gradually whisk in the milk to your roux, keeping the mixture smooth as it thickens over 5 to 7 minutes. Once thickened, reduce the heat and add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Then stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, watching them melt into a creamy, comforting sauce.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and BBQ Sauce
In a spacious bowl, tender shredded chicken meets smoky BBQ sauce, mingling flavors before folding gently with the cooked macaroni. This step marries the sweet smoky sensation with the pasta perfectly, creating the star filling of this recipe.
Step 5: Bring It All Together and Bake
Pour the luscious cheese sauce over your BBQ chicken pasta mixture, folding until fully coated. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish and level the surface evenly. If you want some crunch, toss breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle them over the top. Pop it into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling—an irresistible invitation.
Step 6: Rest Before Serving
Once baked, allow your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This wait lets everything set slightly, making scooping up those cheesy, saucy bites easier and more enjoyable.
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped green onions or parsley on top adds a bright splash of color and a hint of freshness that elevates the dish visually and adds a subtle herbaceous note to every forkful.
Side Dishes
Serve this satisfyingly rich BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even tangy coleslaw to balance its creamy richness. Cornbread or garlic bread are also fantastic companions for soaking up every last bit of the cheesy BBQ glory.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving it in individual ramekins for a charming, restaurant-style touch, or layer it in a casserole dish with extra BBQ sauce drizzled on top for a dramatic presentation. Adding sliced jalapeños or a swirl of hot sauce can also give it an exciting kick for spice lovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It holds its flavor well and is perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners when you’re short on time.
Freezing
If you want to keep this deliciousness longer, freeze it before baking in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, just add extra time and cover with foil to prevent over-browning.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain that lovely baked texture. If you’re short on time, microwave reheating works too, just cover to keep moisture in and heat in short intervals to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute with shells, penne, or even cavatappi for a fun twist. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce. A smoky, slightly sweet BBQ sauce complements the cheese beautifully, but feel free to experiment with spicier or tangier varieties based on your taste.
Is rotisserie chicken necessary?
Not at all. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, but you can use grilled, baked, or even leftover chicken — just shred it well before mixing.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To keep the spirit of the dish but skip the chicken, try substituting with BBQ-flavored jackfruit or smoked tofu. Both absorb the flavors well and give a similar texture experience.
Why is the smoked paprika important?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that mimics the flavors of the BBQ sauce and brings the whole dish together harmoniously without overpowering the cheese sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the comforting hug of mac and cheese, and with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe, you get a fresh, smoky spin on this beloved classic. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe hits all the right notes with its tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and irresistible BBQ flavor. So, grab your apron and get ready to create some comfort food magic—your taste buds will thank you!
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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Food Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy macaroni with smoky, tangy BBQ chicken for an irresistible comfort food twist. Perfect for family dinners, this dish features tender shredded chicken mixed with rich cheese sauce and pasta, baked to golden perfection with an optional crispy breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably rotisserie chicken)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
Cheese Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil using about 1 tablespoon of salt.
- Cook macaroni: Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 7-8 minutes.
- Drain and cool pasta: Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Make roux: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Add milk: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Season the sauce: Reduce heat to low and stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Incorporate cheese: Gradually stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- Combine pasta and chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce. Gently fold together.
- Mix cheese sauce and pasta mixture: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and fold until evenly mixed.
- Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish using butter or cooking spray.
- Assemble the dish: Pour the BBQ chicken mac and cheese mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Add breadcrumb topping: If using, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Check around 20 minutes to ensure it doesn’t burn.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with leftover grilled or roasted chicken.
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese.
- Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture.
- Use whole milk for a creamier sauce; lower-fat milk can be used but may affect texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
