BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: An Amazing Ultimate Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is an incredible comfort food that combines creamy pasta with smoky, tender chicken and sweet barbecue sauce. This dish stands out as an ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Imagine diving into a rich, cheesy bowl of macaroni, infused with the flavors of grilled chicken and tangy barbecue. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that excites the palate and warms the heart.

In this guide, you will discover why BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a must-try recipe for everyone. With its unique fusion of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re sharing it with friends, serving it on game day, or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this wonderful recipe will impress all who partake. Let’s dive into what makes BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese such a fantastic dish and how easily you can prepare it!

Preparation and Cooking Time

In total, preparing BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese will take about 1 hour, which includes preparation and baking time. Here’s a breakdown of the time required:

• Preparation Time: 15-20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Resting Time: 10 minutes

These times may vary slightly based on your kitchen equipment and experience, but this framework should provide a good estimate.

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
• 3 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
• 2 cups whole milk
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Add Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
5. Incorporate Seasonings: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Add Cheese: Remove from heat, then add 2 cups of the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
7. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
8. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
9. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese and breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
10. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
11. Rest: Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

How to Serve

To elevate your BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese experience, consider these tips when serving:

1. Presentation: Serve in a large bowl or individual ramekins for a more elegant touch. Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with a fresh green salad or garlic bread to balance out the richness of the dish.
3. Portion Sizes: Serve generous portions, but be mindful of the richness; smaller servings might encourage seconds.
4. Beverage Pairing: Complement with iced tea, lemonade, or even a light beer for a refreshing pairing.
5. Leftover Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to revive creaminess.

With these serving suggestions, you can ensure that every dining experience with BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is memorable and delicious!

Additional Tips

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken and cheese to enhance the overall taste of your BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking the macaroni just until al dente ensures that it holds its shape during baking and does not become mushy.
• Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, experimenting with gouda or pepper jack cheese can add exciting flavors.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes.
• Serve Fresh: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but it can be reheated.

Recipe Variation

Feel free to switch things up! Here are a few fun variations to explore:

1. Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
2. Beefed-Up Mac: Swap out the chicken for ground beef or pulled pork for a heartier dish that still captures that BBQ flavor.
3. Ultimate BBQ Mac: Add even more BBQ flavor by mixing in some pulled pork or brisket along with the chicken.
4. Creamy Spinach: Add fresh or frozen spinach into the cheese mixture for a healthy green twist.
5. Low-Carb Version: Consider using cauliflower instead of pasta for a lower-carb version that still satisfies.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.

Special Equipment

To prepare BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese successfully, you may need the following tools:

• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Colander for draining pasta
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Whisk for mixing ingredients
• 9×13-inch baking dish for baking
• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing

Conclusion

BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures that promises to have every guest asking for seconds. Its creamy, cheesy goodness balanced with flavorful BBQ chicken makes it a perfect comfort food. Serve this dish at your next gathering or family dinner, and watch as it quickly becomes a beloved staple. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do—good food should be both satisfying and hearty!