BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – Smoky, Creamy & Hearty

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines two classic comfort foods into one irresistible dish. Tender chicken is coated in smoky BBQ sauce, paired with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a rich and satisfying meal. The sweetness from the BBQ sauce complements the sharpness of the cheese, while the pasta provides a perfect base for all the flavors to come together. This dish can easily be customized with extra vegetables or swapped for a different protein, such as pulled pork. It's ideal for a weeknight dinner, potluck, or as a crowd-pleasing main course for gatherings.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  
  

• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your choice of flavor)
  
  

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
  
  

• 1 tablespoon butter
  
  

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  
  

• 2 cups milk
  
  

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  
  

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
  

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  
  

• Salt and pepper to taste
  
  

• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional for garnish)
  
  

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   
   

2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken breasts until fully cooked (about 6-8 minutes per side). Once cooked, shred the chicken and toss with 1/2 cup BBQ sauce. Set aside.
   
   

3. While the chicken is cooking, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
   
   

4. In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
   
   

5. Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
   
   

6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, allowing the cheese to melt and the sauce to become creamy.
   
   

7. Add the cooked macaroni and BBQ chicken into the cheese sauce, stirring until everything is well combined.
   
   

8. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
   
   

9. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve immediately.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 490 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 35g
  
  

• Fat: 22g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 40g
  
  

• Fiber: 2g
  
  

• Sugars: 10g