BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for Comfort

comfort food bbq dish

I’ve gotta say, BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese has become my go-to comfort food. It’s like a warm hug on a chilly night. I love the way the tangy BBQ sauce mingles with the ooey-gooey cheese, and don’t get me started on that creamy pasta. Honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a dish that feels like home? If you’ve ever wanted a cozy, crowd-pleasing recipe, keep your apron handy, because I’m about to share all the tasty details.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You know how on chilly evenings, all you really want is something warm, comforting, and full of flavor? That’s where this BBQ chicken mac and cheese comes in. Honestly, it’s like a cozy hug in a bowl.

The tangy BBQ sauce transforms the tender chicken, while the creamy, cheesy pasta wraps everything up like a blanket on a cold night. Plus, let’s face it: who doesn’t love gooey cheese? I may or may not have done a happy dance when I took my first bite.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some hot sauce for an extra kick. Trust me, this dish checks all the boxes—delicious, easy, and sure to impress.

Seriously, you’ll be craving it all week!

Equipment List

When it comes to whipping up a delicious BBQ chicken mac and cheese, having the right equipment can make all the difference—trust me, I’ve learned that the hard way.

First off, you’ll need a good skillet for cooking the chicken. There’s nothing worse than a pan that sticks.

Then, a trusty pot for boiling the pasta and making that creamy cheese sauce is a must. A whisk helps combine those ingredients perfectly.

Don’t forget a sharp knife for shredding the chicken—it’s a workout for sure.

Do you have a baking dish? If you want that golden, bubbly topping, you’ll need one.

Finally, measuring cups and spoons are essential, unless you enjoy playing a guessing game. It’s all about making it easier, right?

Additionally, using a high-quality cutting board set is crucial for efficient food preparation and safety in the kitchen.

Our Ingredients

When it comes to making BBQ chicken mac and cheese, the ingredients you choose can truly elevate the dish. It’s all about finding that perfect blend of flavors and textures. From the tender chicken that’s marinated in smoky BBQ goodness to the creamy cheese and pasta that brings it all together, each ingredient plays a key role.

And just think—who wouldn’t want to dig into a bubbling dish of cheesy comfort food? So let’s explore what you need for this delicious meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1½ lb chicken breasts, halved
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp chipotle powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 8 oz pasta (macaroni or shells)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce
  • Optional: hot sauce, extra cheese for topping

Now, let’s talk about some things to reflect on when gathering your ingredients. First off, be sure to choose quality chicken; it makes all the difference in flavor and juiciness.

If you’re into a bit of a kick, don’t shy away from that chipotle powder—it adds a smokiness that pairs beautifully with the BBQ.

And while cheddar is the star of the show, think about mixing in some smoked cheddar for that extra layer of deliciousness.

Finally, when it comes to BBQ sauce, go for the brand that you love or even try making your own; it’s a game-changer.

The best part? You can totally customize this dish according to what you have on hand or what flavors your family loves. Happy cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

bbq chicken mac and cheese

Making BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful adventure that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with the smokiness of BBQ chicken. You’ll be proud as you whip up this comfort food classic that has the power to impress family and friends alike. Just follow these steps, and soon you’ll have a bubbling dish ready to be devoured.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken: Start with 1½ lb of chicken breasts, halved. Season them generously with ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, ½ teaspoon of chipotle powder, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.

Heat a little oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, and cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF. (The spices make it smell amazing, so resist the urge to indulge too soon—patience, my friend!)

2. Shred and Sauce the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy, and then shred it into bite-sized pieces.

In a bowl, mix the shredded chicken with ¾ cup of BBQ sauce and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of hot sauce for some extra kick. Set this BBQ goodness aside while you work on the rest.

3. Cook the Pasta: Grab 8 oz of your choice of pasta—macaroni or shells work beautifully here.

Cook it according to the package instructions, then drain it and set aside. (You might want to sneak a taste, but that could lead to pasta stealing and we don’t want that, do we?)

4. Make the Cheese Sauce****: In the same pot you used for the pasta, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Once it’s all melty and delightful, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour, stirring constantly for about a minute until it forms a roux.

Now, slowly pour in 2 cups of milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep simmering until the mixture thickens, which usually takes just a few minutes.

5. Cheese It Up: Now it’s time for the star of the show—add in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and smooth.

This is when the magic really happens, and your kitchen will smell heavenly.

6. Combine Everything: Once the cheese sauce is velvety and rich, add the cooked pasta and the BBQ chicken into the pot.

Gently fold them together until everything is well coated. If you’ve got a spatula, this is a great time to put it to use and really bring it all together.

7. Bake (Optional): If you want to take it up a notch, transfer the cheesy mixture to a baking dish.

Top with extra cheese (because who wouldn’t want more cheese?) and drizzle a bit more BBQ sauce on top.

Bake at 400ºF for about 15 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown. (Your patience will be tested here, but trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!)

And there you have it—a scrumptious BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that’s sure to make you the star of any gathering. Serving this up might just earn you a few ‘wow’ moments, and who doesn’t love a good compliment? Enjoy your cooking journey!

Moreover, using the right kitchen appliances can enhance your cooking experience and ensure a delicious outcome.

Tips & Variations

If you’re looking to switch things up with your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’re in for a treat.

I love to get creative, so sometimes, I’ll toss in smoked cheddar instead of regular cheese for that extra level of flavor.

Want more tang? Just adjust the BBQ sauce—trust me, you can never have too much BBQ sauce, right?

If you’re feeling adventurous, add a dash of hot sauce to kick things up.

And here’s a little secret: resting your chicken before shredding keeps it juicy, which is a game changer.

For a fun twist, consider adding sautéed veggies like bell peppers or onions.

You really can make this dish your own; the possibilities are endless.

How to Serve?

Serving up BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is one of my favorite parts of the cooking process, especially when I get to watch the reactions of my friends and family.

I love to dish it out warm, letting that cheesy goodness cascade onto the plate, maybe even with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top because, why not? If I’m feeling fancy, I might add a light drizzle of BBQ sauce. Trust me, it makes it look gourmet.

I like to serve it with a crisp green salad on the side or some garlic bread for that ultimate comfort meal experience.

And of course, don’t forget the napkins—things can get a bit messy, and who wants to wear dinner?

Storage & Reheating Guide

Though I can’t always finish a whole dish of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in one sitting, leftovers are a glorious gift, right?

To store them, just scoop the mac and cheese into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days.

Need to reheat? I’ve learned the hard way not to rush this—microwave it for a few minutes, stirring halfway through. You don’t want it exploding all over the place, trust me.

If you want to bring back that original gooeyness, try reheating it in the oven at 350°F for around 20 minutes. Cover it with foil, or even add more cheese on top. It’s like a cheesy hug, every time! Also, for longer storage, consider using freezer storage bags, as they can help maintain the dish’s quality for up to a few months.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, I can’t help but think about how this dish nails the comfort food game. It’s creamy, smoky, and a little spicy, which makes every bite feel like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Seriously, who doesn’t want that?

I always find myself going back for seconds (sometimes thirds), and it’s just so easy to whip up, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try it sooner.

You can customize the flavors too—add more cheese, or a splash of hot sauce if you’re feeling bold. Just remember to savor every cheesy bite.

Whether you’re having a cozy night in or celebrating with friends, this dish is sure to bring everyone together. Trust me, you’ll love it.

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