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- 8 oz elbow macaroni - 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (can use rotisserie for convenience) - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) For this dish, the main ingredients are simple and comforting. Elbow macaroni gives us a great base. It cooks up soft and holds the sauce well. Shredded chicken adds protein and flavor. Using rotisserie chicken saves time and effort. BBQ sauce brings a sweet and smoky taste. - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup whole milk - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened In the dairy section, we have our star players. Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, making the dish creamy and rich. Whole milk adds just the right amount of liquid. Cream cheese helps to create a smooth texture and enhances the flavor. - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs - Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional) Now, let's talk about the flavor enhancers. Unsalted butter gives a rich base for the cheese sauce. Garlic and onion powder add depth and aroma. Smoked paprika brings a hint of warmth. After baking, panko breadcrumbs provide a crunchy topping. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. For the full recipe, check out the instructions later in the article. 1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. This adds flavor to the pasta. 2. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of elbow macaroni. Cook it until it's al dente, following the package instructions. 3. When done, drain the macaroni and set it aside in a bowl. 1. In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. 2. Add 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese and stir it until it melts and blends well with the butter. 3. Slowly pour in 1 cup of whole milk while whisking. This helps to keep the sauce smooth. 4. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring this to a gentle simmer. 5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes smooth. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, 1 cup of shredded chicken (you can use rotisserie chicken for ease), and 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. 2. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). 2. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. 3. Top the dish with 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. 1. Bake the dish in the oven for 20-25 minutes. You want the top to be golden and bubbly. 2. Once done, take it out and let it cool slightly before serving. 3. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley if you like. For the full recipe, check out the guidelines I provided earlier. Enjoy your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! You can change a few ingredients if needed. For the chicken, a rotisserie chicken works great. It saves you time and adds flavor. You can also switch up the BBQ sauce. Try a sweet, smoky, or spicy sauce based on your taste. If you want a lighter dish, reduce the cheese. You can use low-fat cheese for fewer calories. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli boosts nutrition. They add color and taste while making your meal healthier. To keep your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese creamy, do not overbake it. The cheese sauce should coat the pasta well. If it seems thick, add a splash of milk before baking. For a crispy topping, make sure the panko breadcrumbs are evenly spread. Bake until the top is golden brown and bubbly for the best texture. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can spice up BBQ chicken mac and cheese in fun ways. For a kick, try a spicy BBQ chicken mac and cheese. Use a spicy BBQ sauce or add fresh jalapeños. This will give your dish heat and flavor. Another tasty twist is a smoky chipotle version. Replace regular BBQ sauce with chipotle BBQ sauce. The smoky flavor will add depth and excitement to each bite. Cheese plays a big role in this dish. While sharp cheddar is classic, you can explore other cheeses. Gouda provides a rich and creamy taste. Mozzarella offers a nice stretch and mild flavor. Pepper jack gives a spicy kick, too. You can blend different cheeses to build a deeper flavor. Mixing cheddar with gouda or mozzarella creates a creamy texture. Experimenting with cheese can lead to your perfect mac and cheese. If you need gluten-free options, don’t worry! You can swap the traditional pasta for gluten-free types. Look for gluten-free elbow macaroni or any small-shaped pasta. There are many good options available in stores now. Just follow the same cooking steps as before. You’ll still enjoy a hearty and delicious BBQ chicken mac and cheese. This way, everyone can savor this dish, no matter their dietary needs. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section! After enjoying BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, you may have tasty leftovers. To store them safely, cool the dish to room temperature first. This helps prevent bacteria growth. Then, transfer the mac and cheese into airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. It’s simple! Let the dish cool completely. Then, scoop portions into freezer-safe containers or bags. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. Label the containers with the date. Your dish will stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When it comes to reheating, you have two main options: microwaving or using the oven. For microwaving, place a portion in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This method is quick but may not keep the texture as creamy. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F. Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. This method maintains the creamy texture and crunchy topping better. Enjoy your comforting dish again! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe section. To make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese from scratch, follow these simple steps: 1. Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside. 2. Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan. Add cream cheese and mix until smooth. 3. Combine Milk and Seasonings: Slowly whisk in whole milk. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer gently. 4. Add Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Adjust thickness with more milk if needed. 5. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce. Stir well. 6. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs. 7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. 8. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with parsley if you like. This method gives you a creamy, cheesy dish with BBQ flavor. You can find the Full Recipe for more details. Yes, you can make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in advance. Here are some tips: - Assemble Ahead: You can prepare the dish up to the baking stage. Just cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - Bake Later: When you're ready to eat, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge. - Freeze Option: If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Here are some great side dish ideas to serve with BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: - Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds a nice contrast to the creamy dish. - Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs well with the BBQ flavors. - Green Salad: A simple green salad can lighten up the meal. - Grilled Vegetables: Grilled veggies add color and nutrition to your plate. These sides add variety and balance to your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese feast! BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines simple ingredients into a tasty dish. We covered the main components like macaroni, chicken, and savory cheeses. I shared tips on making the best cheese sauce and achieving a golden crust. Variations, like adding spice or using different cheeses, can make it unique. Remember, you can store leftovers or freeze them for later. This dish is easy, fun, and satisfying. Enjoy creating your own twist on this classic!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Indulge in a delicious twist on comfort food with this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe! Packed with shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy cheeses, it's a cheesy delight that the whole family will love. Discover how to combine flavors and textures for a dish that's perfect for any occasion. Ready to create a meal everyone will rave about? Click through to explore the full recipe and get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz elbow macaroni

1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (can use rotisserie for convenience)

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup whole milk

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cream cheese and stir until it's melted and well combined.

      Combine Milk and Seasonings: Slowly pour in the whole milk while continuously whisking. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer.

        Add Cheese: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more milk until you reach your desired consistency.

          Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, and cheese sauce. Stir everything together until well-coated.

            Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top for added crunch.

              Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

                Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | Serves 4-6