Go Back
–+ servings
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese That's Pure Comfort Joy

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish combining cheesy pasta and tender chicken, making it a high-protein crowd-pleaser.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts Consider using rotisserie chicken for a faster option.
For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Macaroni Elbow macaroni or any short pasta works best.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Adds a luscious richness to the sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Essential for thickening the sauce.
  • 2 cups Milk Use whole milk or cream for an ultra-smooth sauce.
  • 1 cup Cheddar Cheese Delivers sharp, rich flavors.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Brings a gooey, melty texture.
For Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder Infuses savory depth into the dish.
  • 1 teaspoon Onion Powder Complements garlic for extra savory goodness.
  • 0.5 cups BBQ Sauce Choose your favorite for a smoky kick.
  • to taste Salt Essential for seasoning.
  • to taste Pepper Essential for seasoning.

Equipment

  • skillet
  • large pot
  • Saucepan
  • Colander
  • Meat Thermometer

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Shred the chicken using two forks.
  2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. Gradually whisk in milk and stir until thickened, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Stir the shredded chicken and cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, along with BBQ sauce. Mix on low heat until everything is well coated.
  6. Transfer to serving bowls and optionally garnish with fresh herbs or extra BBQ sauce. Enjoy warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For a thicker sauce, add milk if too thick or simmer longer if too thin. Customize with different cheeses or add veggies for nutrition.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!