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 shrouded in delicious mystery, the pairing speaks to a deeply American love of bold flavors and satisfying textures. Macaroni and cheese itself has a rich history, evolving from European pasta bakes to a beloved staple in American households. Adding barbecue chicken, a cornerstone of Southern cuisine, creates a fusion that’s both familiar and exciting.

People adore BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese for its irresistible combination of creamy, smoky, and savory notes. The tender, juicy chicken, coated in tangy barbecue sauce, perfectly complements the rich, cheesy pasta. It’s a dish that satisfies on so many levels – the comforting warmth of the mac and cheese, the exciting kick of the barbecue, and the satisfying heartiness that makes it a perfect meal for any occasion. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, making it a weeknight winner that the whole family will love. Get ready to indulge in a truly unforgettable culinary experience!

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 shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, your preference!)
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional, for extra richness)
• 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 love a smoky-sweet one!)
• For the Topping (Optional, but highly recommended!):
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon (because bacon makes everything better!)

Preparing the BBQ Chicken:

1. Prep the Chicken: First, let’s get the chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces – about 1-inch cubes. This will make it easier to mix them 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. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s what gives the chicken its flavor!
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet 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 7-10 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Add the 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. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for that delicious BBQ flavor!
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. Don’t overcook it, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.
2. Make the Roux: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which is the base for our cheese sauce. Make sure to cook out the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown too much.
3. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, a little at a time, ensuring that there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Thicken the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly. Continue to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. This is important for a rich and creamy mac and cheese.
5. Season the Sauce: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. Add the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Gruyere cheese (if using), stirring 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 until it’s evenly coated.

Assembling the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese:

1. Combine Chicken and Mac and Cheese: Gently fold the BBQ chicken into the mac and cheese, distributing it evenly throughout.
2. Prepare for Baking (Optional): If you want to bake the mac and cheese for a crispy topping, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If you prefer a stovetop version, you can skip the baking step.
3. Make the Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Mix well until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
4. Add Bacon and Parsley (Optional): Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and chopped fresh parsley over the breadcrumbs.
5. Bake (Optional): Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
6. Serve: Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired. Enjoy your delicious BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Tips for the Best BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese:

• Use High-Quality Cheese: The quality of the cheese makes a big difference in the flavor of the mac and cheese. I recommend using freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly.
• Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: Overcooked macaroni will become mushy in the cheese sauce. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
• Adjust the Cheese to Your Liking: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyere, Gouda, and Havarti are all great options.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese and BBQ chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, simply combine them and bake as directed.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little extra heat.
• Add Vegetables: Sneak in some vegetables by adding cooked broccoli, peas, or corn to the mac and cheese.
• Use Different BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different flavors of BBQ sauce to customize the dish to your liking. Honey BBQ, spicy BBQ, or even a tangy vinegar-based BBQ sauce would all be delicious.
• Make it Creamier: For an extra creamy mac and cheese, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce.
• Broil for Extra Crispiness: If you want an even crispier topping, broil the mac and cheese for a minute or two after baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Conclusion:

This isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s an experience! The smoky sweetness of the barbecue chicken perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy goodness, creating a symphony of flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe thirds!). Honestly, I think this BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese is a game-changer, a weeknight dinner hero, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser all rolled into one delicious dish. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out, but with a fun, unexpected twist that keeps things exciting. Why is it a must-try? Because it’s easy, it’s satisfying, and it’s unbelievably delicious. It takes the classic comfort of mac and cheese and elevates it to a whole new level with the addition of tender, flavorful barbecue chicken. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover barbecue chicken, transforming it into something truly special. Forget boring leftovers; this is a planned-over masterpiece! But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Sharp cheddar will give it a classic, tangy bite, while Gruyere will add a nutty, sophisticated flavor. Monterey Jack will make it extra melty and creamy. You could even add a touch of pepper jack for a little kick!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a fiery twist. * Go green! Stir in some chopped green onions or chives for a fresh, herbaceous element. * Add some crunch! Top with crushed crackers, crispy fried onions, or even crumbled bacon for added texture. * Make it a meal! Serve it with a side of coleslaw or a simple green salad for a complete and balanced meal. * BBQ Sauce Swap: Experiment with different BBQ sauces. A sweet honey BBQ, a tangy vinegar-based sauce, or even a spicy chipotle BBQ sauce will all bring a unique flavor profile to the dish. * Protein Power: While this recipe calls for chicken, you could easily substitute pulled pork, shredded beef brisket, or even vegetarian options like jackfruit or smoked tofu. I truly believe that this BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect dish for a casual weeknight dinner, a potluck gathering, or even a special occasion. It’s guaranteed to impress your family and friends, and it’s so easy to make that you’ll be whipping it up in no time. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible dish. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did your family and friends think? Share your photos and comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy your delicious, homemade BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese! Print