BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy pasta mingles with tender chicken and smoky barbecue sauce, creating a dish that’s not only delightful but also easy to make. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home, this recipe turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (homemade or your favorite brand)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and bake on a foil-lined baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
- Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour until combined. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add BBQ sauce and smoked paprika to the cheese sauce; mix well.
- Chop baked chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold into the pasta and cheese mixture until fully coated.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (230g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: - For added flavor, consider using grilled vegetables or different cheeses like Gouda or pepper jack. - Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly for a quick option.