Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight 🍗🧀🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting, cheesy casserole packed with smoky BBQ chicken, you’ve come to the right place. This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender, shredded BBQ chicken with creamy pasta and melty cheese for an irresistible meal. Perfect for weeknights or weekend gatherings, this dish offers the perfect balance of smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors that everyone will love.
2. Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups cooked and shredded BBQ chicken
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prepare the Pasta
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and milk, allowing them to heat through. Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring constantly until smooth and creamy. Season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Combine Chicken and Pasta
Stir the shredded BBQ chicken into the cheese sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta, ensuring it is coated evenly with the cheesy, smoky sauce.
Finish and Serve
Transfer everything to a baking dish if baking, or serve directly from the skillet. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy your hearty BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese.
4. Tips for Perfect BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle with bread crumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes.
5. Storage Tips for Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave in short bursts or warm in a skillet over medium heat. To prevent drying out, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating.
6. Serving Suggestions for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Serve with warm garlic bread or cornbread.
- Top with additional shredded cheese or chopped scallions for extra flavor.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Can I use cooked rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred and incorporate into the cheese sauce.
What cheese is best for creamy pasta dishes?
Cheddar and mozzarella are classic options, but feel free to experiment with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for different flavor profiles.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
From start to finish, including cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce, it takes approximately 30 minutes.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free.
8. Kitchen Tools that You Might Need for This Recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: This versatile vegetable prep tool makes chopping garlic and herbs quick and safe, streamlining your prep work.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Perfect for making refreshing beverages to go along with your cheesy casserole.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: If you’d like to prepare BBQ chicken ahead or make it in larger quantities, this slow cooker is a game-changer.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures even heating and easy clean-up for all your cooking needs.
9. Conclusion
With its rich, smoky, and cheesy flavors, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, its creamy texture and savory taste make it a crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to adjust the ingredients to your taste and enjoy a comforting meal that combines all the barbecue goodness with classic mac and cheese comfort!
Print
Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight
A creamy, cheesy pasta dish loaded with smoky BBQ chicken pieces, seasoned with spices and topped with melted cheese for a satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 lb cooked BBQ chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in heavy cream and milk, simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add shredded BBQ chicken, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Mix in cooked pasta and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese melts and sauce coats pasta evenly.
- Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with remaining cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped green herbs before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute traditional BBQ chicken with leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
- Adjust spice levels with more smoked paprika or hot sauce if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Bake and simmer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: Thirty grams
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
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