BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese

introduction

This BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese mixes smoky barbecue flavor with creamy mac and cheese. It is simple to make and fills the kitchen with a good smell. Kids and adults like it.

why make this recipe

This dish is fast and filling. You get protein from chicken and comfort from cheesy pasta. It uses few steps and common ingredients. If you like quick chicken dinners, try Lemon Herb Chicken and Rice Pilaf for another simple meal idea.

how to make BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese

Follow the steps below. Cook the pasta and chicken first. Mix everything, bake, and serve hot.

Ingredients :

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups whole milk

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a skillet, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until fully cooked, then shred them.
4. In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, milk, and cheeses until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

how to serve BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese

Serve warm from the oven. Add extra BBQ sauce on top if you like a stronger flavor. A green salad or steamed vegetables make a nice side. For another chicken-and-rice option, see Paprika Chicken and Rice Bake.

how to store BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese

Let the dish cool to room temperature. Cover and put in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish until warm.

tips to make BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese

• Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Mix cheeses well so the sauce becomes smooth.
• If the mix is too thick, add a little more milk.
• For a crisp top, broil 1-2 minutes at the end.
• For a lighter meal, use low-fat milk and less cheese.

variation (if any)

• Add chopped bacon for extra smoke.
• Stir in chopped green onions or jalapeños for heat.
• Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or smoked cheddar for flavor change.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw and cook it fully, then shred and use as directed.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble and keep in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Small shapes like shells or rotini work well.

Q: Can I freeze the baked dish?
A: You can freeze before baking. Cover well and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.

Conclusion

For a quick five-ingredient version and more tips, see 5-Ingredient BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – Kinda Healthy Recipes.

BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese

This BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese features smoky barbecue flavor blended with creamy pasta, making it a hit for both kids and adults.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 590

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cooked and shredded
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 8 oz elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups whole milk

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a skillet, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until fully cooked, then shred them.

Mixing

1. In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, milk, and cheeses until well combined.
2. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.

Baking

1. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
2. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For quicker preparation, use cooked rotisserie chicken. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk. For a crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.