BEST SMOKY BBQ CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE

Imagine sinking your fork into a cheesy, creamy bowl of mac, only to discover tender, smoky BBQ chicken nestled within – a flavor collision that’s both familiar and utterly irresistible. This Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese is about to become your new go-to comfort dish, guaranteed to satisfy even the biggest cravings. Let’s get cooking and create some cheesy magic together!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, but highly recommended!)

For the Smoky BBQ Chicken:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Crumbled bacon
• Fresh cilantro
• A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce

Let’s Get Started: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the BBQ Chicken

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken breasts.
4. Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred it using two forks.
6. Toss the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
2. Drain the macaroni and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This step is crucial for a smooth sauce, so don’t skip it!
3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
5. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
6. Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 3 cups of the cheddar cheese, the Monterey Jack cheese, and the Gruyere cheese (if using) until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything!

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
2. Gently fold in the shredded BBQ chicken.

Step 5: Bake (Optional, but Recommended!)

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving.
2. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.

Pro Tips for the BEST Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese

• Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Al dente pasta will hold its shape better in the cheesy sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own cheese guarantees a creamier sauce.
• Low and Slow is Key: When making the cheese sauce, keep the heat at medium-low to prevent the cheese from separating and becoming grainy. Patience is your friend here!
• Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little extra kick.
• Get Creative with Your BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your perfect flavor profile. Sweet, smoky, or spicy – the choice is yours!
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it just before serving. This is a great option for parties or busy weeknights.
• Leftovers are Your Friend: Leftover Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
• Add Vegetables: Sneak in some veggies! Roasted broccoli, peas, or corn would be delicious additions to this dish.

Variations to Make It Your Own

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add chopped jalapenos to the chicken or cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
• Pulled Pork BBQ Mac and Cheese: Substitute pulled pork for the chicken for a different twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Use buffalo wing sauce instead of BBQ sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese.
• Vegetarian BBQ Mac and Cheese: Use jackfruit as a substitute for the chicken. Jackfruit has a similar texture to shredded chicken and absorbs flavors well.
• Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese: Replace some of the cheddar cheese with smoked gouda for an even smokier flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

This Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser because it combines the best of both worlds: creamy, comforting mac and cheese and savory, smoky BBQ chicken. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible. The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the tender, smoky chicken, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Plus, it’s relatively easy to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Other Cheesy Chicken Delights

If you’re a fan of cheesy chicken dishes, be sure to check out these other amazing recipes: Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken, which is incredibly easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. For a fun family dinner, try Crockpot Chicken Tacos. If you’re looking for a hearty casserole, Chicken Spaghetti Casserole is always a winner. And for a quick and easy pasta dish, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta is a fantastic choice. Looking for something truly decadent? Then give the Crack Chicken Gnocchi a try. Don’t forget to also try the Bbq Chicken Mac.

Enjoy Your Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese!

So there you have it – a recipe for Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its creamy texture, smoky flavor, and customizable toppings, this dish is a guaranteed winner. Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy, BBQ-filled bite!