Description

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with tender chicken and smoky barbecue flavors. Baked to golden perfection, this dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. With an easy preparation method and rich flavor profile, it’s sure to impress everyone at the table. Whether served as a main course or a side dish at summer barbecues, this recipe will have your taste buds dancing in delight!

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup barbecue sauce
1 cup whole milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil salted water, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
Create Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan on low heat, melt butter, stir in flour to create a roux, then whisk in milk until thickened. Add garlic powder, onion powder, and cheddar cheese until melted.
Combine: Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce along with shredded chicken and barbecue sauce.
Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour mixture into a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 480
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 44g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: Feel free to customize by adding your favorite cheeses or vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. For an extra kick, consider mixing in jalapeños or hot sauce!