BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your comfort food expectations! Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic macaroni and cheese, elevated to a whole new level with the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken. This isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s a culinary adventure.

Macaroni and cheese, a dish with roots tracing back to medieval Europe, has become a beloved staple in American cuisine. Over the centuries, countless variations have emerged, each reflecting regional tastes and culinary creativity. But the addition of barbecue chicken? That’s where the magic truly happens. The combination is a modern twist that honors tradition while embracing bold, contemporary flavors.

What makes BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese so irresistible? It’s the perfect marriage of textures and tastes. The tender, juicy chicken, infused with smoky barbecue sauce, complements the rich, velvety cheese sauce and perfectly cooked macaroni. It’s a symphony of savory, sweet, and creamy that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a game-day celebration, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. I find that people adore this dish because it’s both familiar and exciting, offering a comforting classic with a delicious, unexpected twist. Get ready to create a dish that will become a family favorite!

Ingredients:

• For the Mac and Cheese:
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, your preference!)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, for extra richness)
• For the BBQ Chicken:
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce (I love a smoky-sweet one!)
• For the Topping (Optional, but highly recommended!):
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Optional: a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: First, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This ensures they cook quickly and evenly and are perfectly sized for mixing into the mac and cheese.
2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. The smoked paprika adds a wonderful smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet in a single layer (you might need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan). Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Add the BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let the chicken simmer in the BBQ sauce for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with that delicious BBQ flavor.
5. Set Aside: Remove the BBQ chicken from the heat and set it aside while you prepare the mac and cheese.

Making the Creamy Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Don’t overcook it, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce. Drain the macaroni well and set it aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which is the base for the cheese sauce. Be careful not to burn the roux; it should be a light golden color.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1/2 cup at a time, making sure to whisk out any lumps before adding more. Continue whisking until all the milk is incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Season the Sauce: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. Add the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Gruyere cheese (if using), stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Make sure the cheese is fully melted before adding more, to prevent clumping.
7. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Make sure all the macaroni is coated in that luscious cheese sauce.

Assembling the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese:

1. Preheat Oven (Optional): If you’re planning to bake the mac and cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Baking is optional, but it adds a nice golden crust to the top.
2. Combine BBQ Chicken and Mac and Cheese: Gently fold the BBQ chicken into the mac and cheese. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the chicken pieces intact.
3. Prepare the Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Toss to coat the breadcrumbs evenly. This creates a crispy, golden topping.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish (Optional): If baking, transfer the BBQ chicken mac and cheese to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Add Topping (Optional): Sprinkle the panko breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. If desired, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
6. Bake (Optional): Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gouda, Havarti, or even a little bit of pepper jack can add interesting flavors.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
• Vegetable Additions: Stir in some cooked broccoli florets, peas, or corn for added nutrients and flavor.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese and BBQ chicken separately ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and combine them just before baking or serving.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this in a slow cooker. Cook the macaroni separately and add it to the slow cooker along with the cheese sauce and BBQ chicken during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
• Breadcrumb Alternatives: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or even potato chips for the topping.
• BBQ Sauce Choice: The type of BBQ sauce you use will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination. A tangy vinegar-based sauce, a sweet honey BBQ sauce, or a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce would all be delicious.
• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are more flavorful and tend to stay more moist during cooking. Just be sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking.
• Smoked Cheese: Adding a smoked cheese, like smoked gouda or smoked cheddar, to the cheese sauce will enhance the smoky flavor of the BBQ chicken.

Conclusion:

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t just another mac and cheese recipe; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! The creamy, cheesy base perfectly complements the tangy sweetness of the barbecue chicken, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that will leave you craving more. It’s comfort food elevated, a crowd-pleaser guaranteed to disappear quickly, and honestly, a dish I’m incredibly proud to share with you.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s ridiculously easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have on hand, and delivers a restaurant-quality experience in the comfort of your own kitchen. Forget boring weeknight dinners; this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a guaranteed win. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and cheesy goodness, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile!

Looking for serving suggestions? I love serving this with a simple side salad to balance the richness. A crisp coleslaw or some steamed broccoli would be fantastic additions. For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or using a spicier BBQ sauce. You could even top it with some crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor.

Variations are endless! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere would be divine. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some crumbled bacon or jalapenos for an extra layer of flavor. For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken for black beans or roasted vegetables like bell peppers and corn. You can even use different types of pasta – penne, rotini, or even shells would work beautifully.

I truly believe this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese will become a staple in your household. It’s the perfect dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or simply a cozy night in. The combination of smoky barbecue flavor and creamy cheese is simply irresistible.

Don’t just take my word for it – try it yourself! I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do. And when you do, please, please, please share your experience! I’d love to hear your feedback, see your photos, and learn about any variations you try. Tag me in your social media posts or leave a comment below. Let’s spread the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese love! I am so excited for you to try this recipe and make it your own. I can’t wait to hear all about it. Happy cooking!

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