Description
Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese meets smoky BBQ chicken in this comforting and flavorful twist on a classic. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this hearty dish is simple, indulgent, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until melted and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, toss the cooked shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce.
- Fold the cooked pasta and BBQ chicken into the cheese sauce, mixing until well combined.
- (Optional) Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with chopped green onions before serving, if desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Swap cheddar with smoked gouda or pepper jack for a different flavor.
Add jalapeños or hot sauce to make it spicier.
Stir in sautéed veggies like bell peppers or roasted corn for added texture and nutrition.
Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make the dish gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Broil (optional)
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
