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–+ servings
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Your New Comfort Food Classic

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines smoky barbecue with creamy pasta for a comforting dish that’s quick and easy.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitute with rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Macaroni (Elbow Pasta) Feel free to use any short pasta.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can be replaced with olive oil.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Use gluten-free flour if necessary.
  • 2 cups Milk Whole or 2% milk is best.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Sharp cheddar recommended.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Monterey Jack is a good alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh minced garlic can elevate the flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Minced shallots work as a substitute.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.
For the BBQ Flavor
  • ½ cup BBQ Sauce Select your favorite or try homemade options.
For Garnishing
  • to taste Fresh Herbs Garnish with parsley or cilantro.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Season the boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until done.
  2. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the macaroni according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until thickened.
  4. Remove from heat and add shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Stir until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Combine cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce in the pot. Pour cheese sauce over and stir until well combined.
  6. Serve hot, drizzled with extra BBQ sauce and garnished with fresh herbs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 350mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

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