Description
A recipe for creamy macaroni and cheese mixed with shredded BBQ chicken.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and barbecue sauce. Stir to coat the chicken completely. Cook for 3 minutes until heated through. Remove from heat.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni and the BBQ chicken mixture to the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish if baking, or serve immediately if serving stovetop style.
- If baking, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce based on your preferred level of sweetness and tang.
- For a richer flavor, use smoked paprika in the cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 12
- Sodium: 750
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 20
- Unsaturated Fat: 15
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 110
Keywords: BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, baked pasta, comfort food, cheesy chicken