BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese
A creamy and cheesy comfort food dish combining smoky BBQ chicken with macaroni and gooey cheese.
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup 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)
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (optional)
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 1/2 cups BBQ sauce
For Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and cut them into 1-inch cubes.
- Toss the chicken in a large bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Cooking Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 7-10 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned.
- Reduce the heat, add the BBQ sauce, and stir. Simmer for a few minutes.
Preparing Mac & Cheese
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the seasonings. Gradually fold in the cheeses until melted.
- Add the macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well. Gently fold in the BBQ chicken.
Baking (Optional)
- Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
This dish can be prepared ahead of time. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.