ULTIMATE BBQ CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE

Craving something creamy, smoky, and oh-so-satisfying? Imagine a bowl piled high with perfectly cooked macaroni, enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, and studded with tender, flavorful BBQ chicken. This Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese is about to become your new weeknight obsession, guaranteed to deliver smiles with every single bite!

Gather Your Goodies: The Ingredients List

Alright, friend, let’s get organized! Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up this masterpiece. Don’t worry, I’ll guide you every step of the way.

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (I’m partial to a smoky one!)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk (whole milk for extra creaminess!)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, your call!)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (for extra meltiness)
• Optional: 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish

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

Okay, deep breath! It might look like a lot, but I promise it’s easier than you think. We’ll take it one step at a time. And remember, even if you mess up a little, it’s still gonna taste amazing!

Step 1: Prep the BBQ Chicken

1. First, drizzle the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
3. Sear the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks, then toss it with your favorite BBQ sauce. Set aside. You could also make this in your Bbq Pulled Chicken Crockpot Perfect!

Step 2: Cook the Macaroni

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions. Make sure to salt the water generously!
2. Drain the macaroni well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of our creamy sauce!
3. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. If you do get lumps, don’t panic! Just keep whisking, or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and ground mustard.
6. Add the cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, a little at a time, stirring until melted and smooth after each addition. We want that cheese pull!

Step 4: Assemble the Magic

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

Step 5: Serve and Devour!

1. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions, if desired.
2. Prepare for applause!

Pro Tips for the Best Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese Ever

Want to take your mac and cheese game to the next level? Here are a few secrets from my kitchen to yours:

• Cheese, Please! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, Gouda, or even a little bit of pepper jack can add incredible flavor.
• Spice It Up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
• Make It Ahead! You can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and bake it until heated through before serving. You can even try making a big batch of Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese and using some of that!
• Crispy Topping! For a crunchy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking.
• Leftover Love: Mix your leftover Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese with some bread crumbs and form patties for the next day. Pan fry for a brand new experience!

Variations to Keep Things Interesting

This recipe is a blank canvas! Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

• Spicy Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese: Add a chopped jalapeno or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Bacon Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese: Cook and crumble some bacon and add it to the mac and cheese. Because bacon makes everything better, right?
• Veggie Boost: Sneak in some veggies! Roasted broccoli, peas, or corn would be delicious additions.
• Smoky Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese: For a smoky treat try the Smoky Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese!

What to Serve With Your Masterpiece

While this Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese is a complete meal on its own, here are a few side dishes that would pair perfectly:

• A simple green salad
• Corn on the cob
• Garlic bread
• Coleslaw
• If you’re feeling ambitious, a side of Chicken Buns would be amazing!

Other Delicious Recipes You Might Love

If you’re looking for more easy and delicious comfort food recipes, check these out!

• A similar take would be Bbq Chicken Mac Heaven!
• Another family favorite is Chicken Spaghetti Casserole Recipe.

Enjoy Your Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese!

There you have it! Your very own homemade Bbq Chicken Mac And Cheese, ready to impress your family and friends (and yourself!). Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!