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–+ servings
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food with a Smoky Kick

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with smoky flavors and tender chicken, perfect for weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitute with rotisserie chicken to save time.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Macaroni Elbow macaroni holds the cheese sauce beautifully.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Margarine can be used if preferred.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Replace with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
  • 2 cups Milk Can use almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Sharp cheddar provides richness.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Provides gooey texture.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can be used for more flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onion is an excellent alternative.
For Seasoning
  • Salt and Pepper Adjust to taste.
For the BBQ Flavor
  • ½ cup BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite variety.

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Large pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Shred the cooked chicken and set aside.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions (about 7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes, then gradually add milk, garlic powder, and onion powder, cooking until thickened.
  4. Reduce heat and mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  5. Fold in the macaroni and shredded chicken into the cheese sauce. Stir in BBQ sauce until well combined.
  6. Serve hot, optionally drizzling more BBQ sauce on top. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

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