BEST SMOKY BBQ CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE

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Author: OLIVIA SMITH
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Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese is the featured image, showcasing a delicious and cheesy baked pasta dish with barbecue chicken.
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

Close-up shot of creamy Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese with visible chicken pieces and a smoky BBQ sauce drizzle.

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!

What is the key to a smooth cheese sauce in the mac and cheese?

Creating a roux by whisking flour into melted butter and cooking it for 1-2 minutes is crucial for a smooth cheese sauce. Also, keep the heat at medium-low to prevent the cheese from separating and becoming grainy.

Can I prepare the Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, 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.

What are some variations I can try to customize this mac and cheese?

You can try Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese by adding jalapenos, Pulled Pork BBQ Mac and Cheese by substituting pulled pork, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese using buffalo wing sauce, Vegetarian BBQ Mac and Cheese using jackfruit, or Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese by replacing some cheddar with smoked gouda.

Why does the recipe recommend shredding your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded?

Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Shredding your own cheese guarantees a creamier sauce.

Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese is the featured image, showcasing a delicious and cheesy baked pasta dish with barbecue chicken.

BEST Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

This Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines the comforting flavors of creamy mac and cheese with the savory and smoky taste of BBQ chicken. It’s a delicious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Customize with your favorite toppings and BBQ sauce for a truly personalized meal.
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded Gruyere cheese optional
  • 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

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking dish (9×13 inch)
  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander
  • Fork
  • Grater
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine 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 and set aside.
  7. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
  8. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
  9. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
  10. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
  11. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  12. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly, until it thickens slightly.
  13. Stir in the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  14. 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.
  15. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
  16. Gently fold in the shredded BBQ chicken.
  17. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
  18. Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish if baking.
  19. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top if baking.
  20. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly if baking.
  21. Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before serving.
  22. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce.

Notes

Don’t overcook the macaroni; al dente is best. Shred your own cheese for a creamier sauce. Keep the heat low when making the cheese sauce to prevent separation. Spice it up with cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Experiment with different BBQ sauces. You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it just before serving. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add vegetables like roasted broccoli, peas, or corn. Variations include Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese (add jalapenos), Pulled Pork BBQ Mac and Cheese (substitute pulled pork), Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese (use buffalo wing sauce), Vegetarian BBQ Mac and Cheese (use jackfruit), and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese (replace some cheddar with smoked gouda).

OLIVIA SMITH

Olivia is a culinary enthusiast and recipe creator who brings a unique cross-cultural perspective to her cooking, blending her Canadian roots with American influences. Her specialty lies in encouraging culinary exploration and bold flavor combinations, drawing from the diverse techniques she learned throughout her international upbringing. Together with Emily, she creates recipes that inspire home cooks to embrace cooking as an adventure and discover how food can transport us through different cultures and experiences.

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