Ah, comfort food! There’s something about it that just warms the soul, don’t you think? I remember cozy nights when my family would gather around the table, and one dish that always made it to those evenings was my homemade bbq chicken mac and cheese. It’s like a hug in a bowl, combining the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the smoky, tangy flavor of barbecue chicken. Trust me, every bite is a delightful explosion of flavors that’ll have you coming back for seconds. This dish is perfect for any occasion, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients List
To whip up this mouthwatering bbq chicken mac and cheese, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that pack a ton of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups macaroni (any shape you love works!)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here!)
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (pick your favorite for that smoky kick)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the sharper, the better!)
- 1 cup milk (whole milk gives it that creamy texture)
- 2 tablespoons butter (for a rich flavor)
- 2 tablespoons flour (to thicken your cheese sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for that extra zing)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (adds depth to the flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste (don’t skip this step!)
Gather these goodies, and you’re on your way to creating a dish that everyone will rave about!
How to Prepare Instructions
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious bbq chicken mac and cheese! I promise it’s easier than it sounds, and you’ll have a hearty dish ready in no time. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
First, grab your macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 7-8 minutes to get that perfect al dente bite. Once it’s done, drain the pasta in a colander and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. This little tip helps prevent your macaroni from getting mushy later on. Set it aside for now; we’ll come back to it shortly!
Step 2: Create the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat—oh, that smell is heavenly! Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir it for about a minute to create a roux. This helps thicken our sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk, and keep stirring until it thickens up nicely; this should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Finally, add the cheddar cheese and stir until it’s all melted and creamy. You’re going to want to taste this sauce; it’s so good!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! In the same saucepan, add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat everything in that luscious, cheesy goodness. Make sure you get every piece of macaroni covered—it’s what makes this dish so comforting and tasty!
Step 4: Bake the Dish
Transfer your creamy mixture into a greased baking dish. Now, here comes the fun part—pour your barbecue sauce over the top and give it a gentle stir to combine. Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes. This baking step will help everything meld together beautifully—and trust me, your kitchen will smell like a dream! When it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy every cheesy, barbecue-infused bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick prep time—ready in just 40 minutes!
- Creamy texture that’s oh-so-satisfying with every bite.
- Flavorful combination of smoky barbecue and cheesy goodness.
- The ultimate comfort food that warms your heart.
- Gluten-free option, so everyone can enjoy it!
This bbq chicken mac and cheese is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that everyone will adore!
Tips for Success
For the best bbq chicken mac and cheese, quality ingredients make all the difference! Use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor, and don’t skimp on the cheese—trust me, it’s what makes this dish heavenly. When melting the cheese, keep the heat low to avoid clumping. If you want to customize, try mixing in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrients and color. And if you love a little crunch, topping with breadcrumbs before baking adds a delightful texture. Each little tweak makes it uniquely yours!
Variations
There are so many fun ways to mix up this bbq chicken mac and cheese! For a cheesy twist, try using a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little heat. You can also sneak in some veggies—think sautéed spinach, broccoli, or even roasted corn for a pop of color and flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, switch up the barbecue sauce with a spicy chipotle or a sweet honey barbecue for a different kick. And don’t forget, you can turn this into a one-pan wonder by adding shrimp or sausage for a hearty protein boost. The possibilities are endless, so get creative!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! To store your delicious bbq chicken mac and cheese, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you need to store it longer, feel free to freeze it! Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight. For reheating, the oven is best to keep that creamy texture—just pop it in at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to avoid drying out. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
Nutritional Information
Let’s chat about the nutritional side of this delightful bbq chicken mac and cheese! Each serving, roughly 1 cup, is estimated to contain around 500 calories, with 20g of fat and 30g of protein, making it quite a filling dish. You’ll also find about 60g of carbohydrates and 5g of sugar in every serving. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences. Enjoy this hearty meal while keeping an eye on your nutritional needs!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a kick. Just make sure your cheese melts well!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the bbq chicken mac and cheese a day in advance and store it in the fridge before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil. When you’re ready to bake, increase the cooking time by a few minutes since it’ll be cold from the fridge.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely! Just let your bbq chicken mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat as mentioned earlier.
What can I serve with this dish?
This hearty meal pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a complete comfort food experience. You can also serve it with coleslaw for a refreshing crunch!
bbq chicken mac and cheese: 7 steps to cheesy delight!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and hearty dish combining barbecue chicken with creamy macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and stir for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until thickened.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add cooked macaroni and shredded chicken. Mix well.
- Pour barbecue sauce over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to your taste.
- Top with extra cheese before baking for a cheesy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: bbq chicken mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, barbecue chicken recipe
