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Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese

Indulge in the comforting delight of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, a creamy pasta dish topped with smoky BBQ chicken and gooey cheese. This recipe combines classic mac and cheese flavors with a zesty BBQ twist, perfect for a family meal or gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 People
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 large pot
  • 1 colander
  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 baking dish (9x13 inch)
  • 1 whisk
  • 1 mixing spoon
  • 1 oven

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Adjust amount for preference of sweetness or smokiness.
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
  • optional chopped green onions or parsley For garnish.

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly golden.
  • Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
  • Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Mix the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.
  • Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
  • Serve warm and enjoy your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or jalapeños for some heat.
You can adjust the amount of BBQ sauce depending on your preference for sweetness or smokiness.
This dish can be made ahead of time; just store it in the refrigerator and bake it before serving, allowing an extra 10 minutes of cooking time if it’s cold.