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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, marrying creamy macaroni with smoky BBQ chicken for a flavor-packed experience. This hearty dish is perfect for summer gatherings or cozy family dinners. With rich cheese sauce enveloping tender pasta and succulent chicken, every bite evokes cherished memories around the dinner table. Easy to prepare and customizable, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook seasoned chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about 5 minutes). Add shredded cheese and stir until melted.
  4. Combine Everything: Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce until well-coated.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour mixture into a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Serve It Up: Let cool slightly before serving; drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: For added nutrition, mix in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach. Swap BBQ sauce for spicy chipotle for an extra kick. Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.

Find it online: https://flavorsecret.com/delicious-bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-youll-love/