BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Creamy mac and cheese meets smoky BBQ chicken in this hearty, comforting dish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, it’s cheesy, saucy, and packed with bold flavor!
Ingredients
- 3 cups elbow macaroni cooked and drained
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until thickened.
- Stir in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Remove from heat and mix in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Combine cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and BBQ sauce in a large bowl.
- Pour cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until well coated.
- Transfer to the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Add jalapeños for a spicy twist.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta for a GF version.
- Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.