Description

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky barbecue sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for hearty weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this crowd-pleaser is baked until bubbly and golden for an irresistible comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Pasta

12 ounces elbow macaroni

BBQ Chicken

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
1 cup barbecue sauce

Cheese Sauce

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
1/4 cup sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the BBQ Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the shredded chicken with barbecue sauce until well coated. Set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, and let simmer until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until all the pasta is evenly coated.
Layer and Assemble: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, spread half of the cheesy macaroni. Top with the BBQ chicken mixture, then spread the remaining macaroni on top. Sprinkle the extra cheddar cheese over everything.
Bake the Mac and Cheese: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is golden brown on top.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired and serve hot for the ultimate comfort meal.

Notes

For a smoky twist, use smoked cheddar or add a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
You can use any favorite barbecue sauce, from sweet to spicy, to suit your tastes.
Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe especially quick and easy.
Add cooked bacon or jalapeños for extra flavor and heat.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
Calories: 550
Sugar: 9g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 90mg