BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of smoky barbecue flavors and creamy, cheesy pasta. This dish offers the comfort of classic mac and cheese with the added zest of BBQ chicken, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the BBQ Chicken:

• 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• ½ tsp chipotle powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp oil

• ⅓ cup barbecue sauce

• 2 tbsp hot sauce (optional)

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 12 oz medium sized pasta shells

• 4 tbsp butter

• ¼ cup all purpose flour

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp pepper

• ½ tsp chipotle powder

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• 1½ cups milk

• ½ cup water

• ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Directions

1. Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder. Heat oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes on each side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for 2 minutes before shredding or chopping into bite sized pieces. Toss the chicken with barbecue sauce and hot sauce (if using).

2. Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about a minute. Add salt, pepper, chipotle powder, garlic powder, milk, and water. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and stir in cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted and smooth.

4. Combine: Add the cooked pasta and BBQ chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined and heated through.

5. Serve: Serve hot, optionally garnished with additional barbecue sauce or fresh herbs.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 529 kcal

• Protein: 40 g

• Carbohydrates: 57 g

• Fat: 15 g

  • Saturated Fat: 7 g

• Cholesterol: 104 mg

• Sodium: 875 mg

• Potassium: 721 mg

• Fiber: 2 g

• Sugar: 10 g

• Vitamin A: 499 IU

• Vitamin C: 1 mg

• Calcium: 283 mg

• Iron: 2 mg