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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese for Comfort Food Lovers

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a quick, high-protein meal combining tender chicken and creamy pasta, perfect for comforting gatherings.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 plates
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
For the Sauce
  • 1 cup BBQ Sauce Pick your favorite style.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Can swap with olive oil.
  • 2 cups Milk Non-dairy alternatives work well.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Cornstarch is a gluten-free substitute.
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Macaroni (Elbow) Any short pasta will work.
For the Cheese
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Gouda can substitute.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Omit for a lighter dish.
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Fresh garlic can elevate flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Fresh onion works if preferred.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • large pot
  • whisk

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. Sauté the chicken for 12-14 minutes until cooked through. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions for about 7-9 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking until it thickens, around 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese until fully melted and creamy.
  5. Add the shredded chicken and cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, along with about 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce. Mix until coated and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Serve in bowls, drizzling with additional BBQ sauce and sprinkle with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 40gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk if needed.

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