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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 46 reviews
  • Author: Bara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic dish, combining tender BBQ-seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta. The recipe features a smoky chipotle seasoning, rich cheddar and pepper jack cheeses, and an optional buffalo sauce kick. Perfect as a crowd-pleaser family meal, it can be served straight from the stovetop or baked for an extra cheesy, golden topping.

Ingredients

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1½ lb chicken breasts, sliced in half
  • ½ tsp salt (more as needed)
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp chipotle powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp oil
  • ⅓ cup barbecue sauce (more as needed)
  • 2 Tbsp Frank's Red Hot or any buffalo sauce (optional)

Mac and Cheese

  • 12 oz box medium-sized shell pasta (about 2 cups dry; gluten-free pasta can be substituted)
  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free all-purpose flour)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp chipotle powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1½ cups milk (any kind; chicken broth can also be used)
  • ½ cup water (or chicken broth)
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Prepare BBQ Chicken: Heat 1 tsp of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Slice chicken breasts in half for quicker cooking. Season the chicken with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp chipotle powder, and ½ tsp garlic powder. Place the chicken in the pan and cook about 8-10 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165ºF. Remove and let rest for 2 minutes.
  2. Shred and Mix Chicken with Sauces: Shred or chop the cooked chicken and transfer to a large bowl. Add ⅓ cup barbecue sauce and 2 Tbsp buffalo sauce if using. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
  3. Cook Pasta: Cook the medium-sized shell pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce: In the same large pot used for pasta, melt 4 Tbsp butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in ¼ cup flour until smooth to form a roux. Add ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp pepper, ½ tsp chipotle powder, and ½ tsp garlic powder. Gradually pour in 1½ cups milk and ½ cup water while whisking. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently until it thickens.
  5. Add Cheese and Combine: Lower the heat and stir in ¾ cup shredded cheddar and ½ cup shredded pepper jack until melted and smooth. Add the drained pasta and shredded BBQ chicken mixture to the cheese sauce and stir until fully combined.
  6. Optional Bake: For a more indulgent finish, transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a 9x9 casserole dish. Optionally sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top and drizzle with additional barbecue sauce. Bake in a preheated 400ºF oven for about 15 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden.
  7. Serve: Remove from oven if baked, garnish with chopped cilantro if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your flavorful BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Notes

  • You can use gluten-free pasta and flour if desired to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • Substitute milk with chicken broth for a lighter sauce variation.
  • Adjust the amount of chipotle powder and buffalo sauce for desired spice level.
  • Leftovers can be reheated on the stovetop or oven for best texture.
  • Optional garnish: chopped cilantro adds fresh brightness.

Find it online: https://yumbara.com/bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/