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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 1 cup cooked shredded chicken - 1 cup BBQ sauce To start, you need elbow macaroni for the base. This pasta holds the cheesy sauce well. Next, grab cooked shredded chicken. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Finally, don't forget the BBQ sauce. Choose your favorite brand to bring that smoky sweetness. - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup cream cheese For the creamy sauce, shredded sharp cheddar cheese is key. It melts beautifully and adds a nice bite. Whole milk gives the sauce richness, while cream cheese makes it extra smooth. These ingredients blend together to create a rich, cheesy goodness. - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs You need unsalted butter to start the sauce. It adds flavor and helps everything mix well. Garlic powder and onion powder bring depth to the dish. Finally, panko breadcrumbs give a delightful crunch when baked. This adds texture and makes the dish irresistible. For the full recipe, check out the link provided. To cook elbow macaroni, fill a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of elbow macaroni. Cook it until it is al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. When it's done, drain the pasta well. Set it aside, but don't rinse it. Rinsing removes the starch that helps sauces stick. For al dente pasta, taste it a minute before the time is up. You want it firm but not hard. This texture holds up well in the dish. Start by melting 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Once it melts, add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir this mix until it is smooth and creamy. Next, slowly pour in 1 cup of whole milk while whisking. This helps avoid lumps. Add your seasonings: 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper to taste. Let this mixture simmer gently while you stir it. It should become thick and rich. In a large bowl, mix the drained macaroni, 1 cup of cooked, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of BBQ sauce. I like using rotisserie chicken for easy prep. Stir until everything is coated well with the BBQ sauce. Then, pour in the cheese sauce you just made. Mix gently to ensure every bite has that delicious cheese flavor. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to stop sticking. Pour the macaroni mix into the dish and spread it out evenly. For a crunchy top, sprinkle 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs on top. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You want the top to be bubbly and golden brown. The smell will be amazing! Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is pure comfort food! For the full recipe, check out the details above. Choosing the right BBQ sauce is key. I love using sweet and smoky sauces. They add depth to the dish. Some great brands include Sweet Baby Ray’s and Stubb’s. If you like heat, try a spicy version. You can also mix sauces for unique flavors. Don’t hesitate to sample a few before deciding! Adding spices can take your BBQ chicken mac and cheese to the next level. I often add a dash of cayenne for heat. You might also like to sprinkle in some cumin or chili powder for warmth. Try adding a touch of mustard powder for a tangy kick. These simple changes can really enhance the dish. Sometimes cheese sauce can get too thick. If this happens, don’t worry! Just add a splash of milk to thin it out. Stir it in slowly until you reach the right texture. You want it creamy, not runny. This way, it coats the pasta just right. For more flavor, a bit of extra cream cheese can help too. For the complete dish, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} To make a meatless BBQ chicken mac and cheese, swap out the chicken for plant-based protein. You can use shredded jackfruit or chickpeas for a hearty bite. These options absorb BBQ sauce well, giving you that yummy flavor. Just mix them with your cheese sauce and pasta as you would with chicken. This way, you still enjoy a cozy dish without meat. Incorporating veggies can boost flavor and nutrition. Broccoli and bell peppers work great in this dish. Steam broccoli until tender and chop bell peppers into small pieces. Add them to the pasta during the last minute of cooking. This keeps the veggies vibrant and crunchy. Stir them into your cheese and BBQ mixture for a colorful twist. Exploring cheese options can change the taste of your dish. Try gouda, mozzarella, or pepper jack for unique flavors. Gouda adds a creamy texture, while pepper jack gives a spicy kick. Mix different cheeses for a rich and complex flavor. Always remember to add more cheese for that creamy goodness! For a detailed guide on making BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, check out the Full Recipe. To store your BBQ chicken mac and cheese, cool it down first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to four days. Make sure to cover it well. This prevents it from drying out or absorbing other smells in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, just scoop out what you need. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Use a freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. Portion out servings for easy access later. Before sealing, remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. Your BBQ chicken mac and cheese can stay good for up to three months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you want to keep that creamy texture. For best results, reheat in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Add a splash of milk to keep it moist. Cover it with foil to trap steam. Bake for 20 minutes, or until hot. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. Yes, you can use canned chicken. It offers quick and easy preparation. However, there are some downsides. Canned chicken can be softer in texture, which may alter the dish. It also may lack the rich flavor of freshly cooked chicken. If you choose canned chicken, rinse it well to reduce excess sodium. This helps keep the flavors balanced in your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. To add spice, consider these options: - Hot Sauce: Stir in your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce. - Spicy BBQ Sauce: Use a BBQ sauce that has a kick. - Jalapeños: Add diced jalapeños for a fresh heat. - Chili Powder: Sprinkle chili powder into the cheese sauce for a warm flavor. Each spice adds a unique layer to the dish, making it more exciting. Adjust the heat level to your taste to keep it enjoyable. Pair your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with these tasty sides: - Coleslaw: A crunchy, fresh contrast to the creamy dish. - Garlic Bread: For a comforting, buttery addition. - Green Salad: A light salad can balance out the richness. - Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a nice touch. These sides enhance your meal, making it even more satisfying. Enjoy experimenting with these options for a perfect feast! BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese blends three simple ingredients: macaroni, chicken, and BBQ sauce. We added rich cheeses and spices for even more flavor. You learned how to cook pasta perfectly, make a creamy cheese sauce, and bake it all for a golden finish. Don’t forget to try the tips to adapt it to your taste. Whether you want to add veggies or go meatless, there are options for everyone. Enjoy your cooking adventure and impress others with this delicious dish.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Discover the ultimate comfort food with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Delight! This creamy, cheesy dish combines macaroni, tender shredded chicken, and tangy BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering meal the whole family will love. Easy to make and perfect for weeknight dinners, it's topped with crunchy panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and impress your loved ones with a heartwarming dish!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly for convenience)

1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred brand)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions until al dente, typically around 7-9 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta well and set it aside.

    Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it becomes smooth and fully combined with the butter.

      Combine Milk and Seasonings: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Allow this mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.

        Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the mixture appears too thick, add a little more milk until you achieve your desired sauce consistency.

          Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and the cheese sauce you just prepared. Gently mix until all ingredients are well coated in the luxurious sauce.

            Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly. Top with panko breadcrumbs to create a delightful crunchy layer.

              Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden.

                Serve: Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. For a fresh touch, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Serves 4-6