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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Comfort Food with a Twist

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines smoky BBQ flavor with creamy mac and cheese, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: DINNER
Cuisine: American
Calories: 480
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Substitution: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick alternative.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Macaroni Substitution: Any short pasta, such as penne or rotini can be used.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Substitution: Gouda or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Substitution: Cream cheese for a richer sauce consistency.
  • 1 cup Milk Note: Use any milk type, including plant-based options for dairy-free.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Substitution: Olive oil is a healthier option.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Note: Gluten-free flour can be substituted for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
For the BBQ Flavor
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce Substitution: Any preferred BBQ sauce, such as sweet or spicy varieties will work.

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • large pot
  • Skillet
  • Colander
  • whisk

Method
 

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
  1. Season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then sauté them in olive oil over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until thoroughly cooked. Shred the chicken once it cools slightly to incorporate into the dish.
  2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside to work on the sauce.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the milk and spices, cooking until the mixture thickens (around 3-4 minutes), then stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
  4. Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken. Mix in the BBQ sauce until everything is well coated and combined; feel free to adjust the BBQ sauce to your taste.
  5. Spoon the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese into bowls, garnishing with an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 480kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Top with crispy bacon bits for added crunch and flavor. Proper storage will help maintain flavor and texture when reheating later.

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