Description
Dive into BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! This ultimate comfort meal combines smoky BBQ chicken with al dente macaroni in a rich, buttery roux-based cheese sauce. Perfect for quick family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in the whole milk until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper.
- Step 5: In a separate bowl, toss the cooked, shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce until the chicken is well coated.
- Step 6: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine thoroughly. Gently fold in the BBQ chicken mixture until evenly distributed. Serve hot.
Notes
- Leftovers are a treat! Store any extra BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to savor again.
- To revive that perfect creaminess when reheating, whether on the stovetop or in the microwave, stir in a small splash of milk or even water to keep it wonderfully saucy.
- This rich dish pairs beautifully with something light and fresh; consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette or some simply steamed veggies.
- For the ultimate smooth and creamy cheese sauce, always remove your thickened milk mixture from the heat *before* stirring in the shredded cheddar cheese, which helps prevent a grainy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 390g)
- Calories: 780
- Sodium: 1250mg
- Fat: 52g
- Saturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Protein: 18g