Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this BBQ chicken mac and cheese! It’s the ultimate comfort food, and I can’t get enough of it. Picture creamy, cheesy pasta mixed with tender pieces of chicken and that tangy BBQ sauce that just sings summer vibes. I remember the first time I made this dish—it was a rainy day, and I was craving something warm and inviting. So, I threw together what I had in the fridge, and wow, it was a hit! It’s become my go-to for quick dinners and potlucks because who doesn’t love a big ol’ dish of cheesy goodness? Trust me, once you try this BBQ chicken mac and cheese, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last bite!
Ingredients
Gather up these simple ingredients to whip up your BBQ chicken mac and cheese. You’ll want:
- 2 cups cooked macaroni (I love using elbow pasta, but any shape works!)
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken (leftovers work great here—no need to cook new chicken!)
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand will do, just make sure it’s packed with flavor!)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (don’t skimp on the cheese, it makes all the difference!)
- 1/2 cup milk (this adds creaminess, so go for whole milk if you can!)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (for that lovely crunchy topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (just a drizzle for extra richness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (season to your heart’s desire!)
How to Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 350°F (175°C). This step is super important because you want everything to cook evenly and get that golden, bubbly top we all love. So while it’s heating up, you can prep the rest of your ingredients!
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and milk. It’s all about getting those flavors to mingle! Add in 1.5 cups of that gooey cheddar cheese, and then sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix it all together until every piece of pasta is coated in that delicious BBQ goodness—trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Step 3: Transfer and Top
Now it’s time to transfer this cheesy mixture into a baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so every bite gets that cheesy, BBQ flavor. Then, top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the top. Drizzle a little olive oil on there—it helps create that crispy topping we all crave!
Step 4: Bake
Pop your dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has that lovely golden color on top. The aroma will be irresistible, so get ready to dig in and enjoy every cheesy, BBQ-filled bite!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk nutrition! Keep in mind that the values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these are just typical estimates. Each serving of this BBQ chicken mac and cheese has about 450 calories, 20g of fat, 25g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s a hearty dish, perfect for filling up after a long day! Always feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, cheesy flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance!
- Comfort food at its finest; it’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Versatile—swap in your favorite veggies or proteins!
- Great for leftovers; it tastes even better the next day!
- Crowd-pleaser—ideal for gatherings and potlucks.
- Easy cleanup with just one baking dish to worry about!
Tips for Success
To make sure your BBQ chicken mac and cheese turns out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the cheese—using good quality cheddar makes a huge difference in flavor and creaminess. If you want an extra cheesy experience, consider mixing in some mozzarella or pepper jack for a kick! When it comes to BBQ sauce, trust your taste buds—feel free to adjust the amount based on how sweet or tangy you like it.
Also, let your dish rest for a few minutes after baking before digging in; this helps everything set up nicely. And if you want that crispy topping, broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end—just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Variations
One of the best things about this BBQ chicken mac and cheese is how versatile it is! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. For a veggie boost, try adding corn, bell peppers, or even diced tomatoes—yum! If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some jalapeños for a spicy kick or mix in some cooked bacon for that smoky flavor. You can also experiment with different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist. And don’t forget about herbs—fresh parsley or cilantro can brighten up the dish beautifully!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), you can store your BBQ chicken mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly again. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just be sure to cover it to avoid splatters, and heat in short intervals, stirring in between for even warmth. Enjoy your cheesy goodness all over again!
What to Serve with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
When it comes to serving your BBQ chicken mac and cheese, you’ll want some sides that complement its rich, cheesy goodness. A fresh, crisp green salad is always a hit—think mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the flavors. You could also whip up some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a pop of color and nutrition. And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, some garlic bread or cornbread on the side will definitely round out the meal. Trust me, these sides will make your BBQ chicken mac and cheese shine even brighter!
For more delicious recipes, check out this chicken recipe or this salad recipe for a refreshing side!
Z nadrukami
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: 7 Comforting Bites to Savor
- Całkowity Czas: 45 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with BBQ chicken.
Składniki
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instrukcje
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix macaroni, chicken, BBQ sauce, and milk.
- Add 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Uwagi
- Use leftover chicken for a quicker prep.
- Adjust BBQ sauce amount to your taste.
- Feel free to add vegetables like corn or bell peppers.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 30 minutes
- Kategoria: Main Dish
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 cup
- Kalorie: 450
- Cukier: 5g
- Sód: 800mg
- Kwasy: 20g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 10g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 8g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 50g
- Włókno: 2g
- Białko: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Słowa kluczowe: bbq chicken mac and cheese
