BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your comfort food expectations! Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic macaroni and cheese, elevated to a whole new level with the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken. This isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s a culinary adventure.

While the exact origins of combining barbecue chicken with mac and cheese are somewhat shrouded in delicious mystery, the pairing speaks to a deeply American love of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Macaroni and cheese, a dish with roots tracing back to medieval Europe, found its true home in the United States, becoming a symbol of comfort and family. Barbecue, with its diverse regional variations and smoky, tangy sauces, is equally ingrained in American culinary culture. Marrying these two iconic dishes is a testament to our willingness to experiment and create something truly special.

People adore BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese for its irresistible combination of textures and tastes. The creamy, velvety mac and cheese provides a comforting base, while the tender, smoky barbecue chicken adds a layer of savory sweetness that tantalizes the taste buds. It’s a dish that’s both familiar and exciting, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a winner in terms of convenience. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy mac and cheese!

Ingredients:

• For the Mac and Cheese:
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but adds a lovely warmth)
• 4 cups (about 16 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided (I like to use a mix of sharp and mild)
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• For the BBQ Chicken:
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce (I prefer a smoky and slightly sweet one)
• Optional Toppings:
• Chopped green onions
• Crumbled bacon
• Diced tomatoes
• Fresh cilantro
• A drizzle of extra BBQ sauce

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Then, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes). This will make it easier to incorporate into the mac and cheese later.
2. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This step is crucial for building flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until it’s cooked through and lightly browned on all sides. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook the chicken in batches to ensure even browning.
4. Add BBQ Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and let it simmer for about 5-10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. This step is where the magic happens! The chicken will become incredibly tender and flavorful.
5. Set Aside: Remove the BBQ chicken from the heat and set it aside while you prepare the mac and cheese.

Making the Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. This means it should be cooked through but still have a slight bite to it. Overcooked macaroni will become mushy in the mac and cheese. Drain the macaroni well and set it aside.
2. Make the Roux: In the same pot you used to cook the macaroni (or a large saucepan), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which is the base for the cheese sauce. The roux should be smooth and slightly golden in color.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, about 1 cup at a time, making sure to whisk out any lumps before adding more. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Simmer the Sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Season the Sauce: Stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
6. Add the Cheese: Remove the pot from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Make sure to stir constantly to prevent the cheese from clumping.
7. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to combine. Make sure the macaroni is evenly coated with the cheese sauce.

Assembling the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese:

1. Combine Chicken and Mac and Cheese: Gently fold the BBQ chicken into the mac and cheese. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the chicken pieces intact.
2. Serve: Serve the BBQ chicken mac and cheese immediately.
3. Optional Toppings: Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as chopped green onions, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, or a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce. These toppings add a burst of flavor and texture to the dish.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese in your mac and cheese. Gruyere, fontina, and provolone are all great options.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in some cooked vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, or corn, for added nutrition and flavor.
• Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy mac and cheese, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce.
• Bake it: For a baked version, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs or extra cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
• Slow Cooker Option: You can also make this in a slow cooker. Cook the macaroni separately. Combine all ingredients (except the macaroni) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the cooked macaroni before serving.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to the mac and cheese when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

Make Ahead Instructions:

You can prepare the BBQ chicken and the mac and cheese separately ahead of time. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat both components and combine them as directed in the recipe.

Serving Suggestions:

This BBQ chicken mac and cheese is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as:

• Coleslaw
• Cornbread
• Green salad
• Roasted vegetables

Enjoy your delicious homemade BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Conclusion:

Okay, friends, let’s be honest – you’ve read this far because something about BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese just screamed “comfort food heaven,” right? And trust me, it absolutely is! This isn’t your average mac and cheese; it’s a flavor explosion that combines the creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave with the smoky, tangy deliciousness of BBQ chicken. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re serving it up at a casual weeknight dinner or bringing it to your next potluck. But why is this recipe a must-try? It’s simple: it’s incredibly easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and delivers a taste sensation that’s far greater than the sum of its parts. The combination of the rich cheese sauce, the tender chicken, and that sweet and smoky BBQ sauce is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone asking for seconds (and the recipe, of course!). Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can really make it your own. Looking for serving suggestions? This BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese is fantastic on its own as a main course, especially when paired with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables to balance out the richness. For a heartier meal, try serving it alongside some cornbread or garlic bread. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even top it with some crispy fried onions or crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor and texture. Now, let’s talk variations! Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Prefer a different type of cheese? Feel free to experiment with your favorites – cheddar, Gruyere, or even pepper jack would all be delicious. You can also swap out the chicken for pulled pork or even shredded beef for a completely different flavor profile. And for a vegetarian option, try using smoked tofu or jackfruit in place of the chicken. The possibilities are truly endless! I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’re going to love it just as much as I do. It’s the perfect dish for those days when you need a little extra comfort and a whole lot of flavor. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe, and I can’t wait to hear what you think! Once you’ve made it, please come back and leave a comment below. Let me know what variations you tried, what your family thought, and any tips or tricks you discovered along the way. Sharing your experiences will not only help other readers but will also inspire me to create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Happy cooking! Don’t forget to snap a picture of your masterpiece and share it on social media using #BBQChickenMacCheese – I’d love to see your creations! Print