Description
A comforting fusion of creamy mac and cheese with smoky BBQ chicken, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz elbow macaroni, dry
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 0.5 cup BBQ sauce (for tossing chicken)
- 0.25 cup BBQ sauce (for drizzling, optional)
- 2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (for roux)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (for panko topping)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cup whole milk, warmed
- 0.5 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt (divided, to taste)
- 0.5 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cup scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot, add macaroni, and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with 0.5 cup BBQ sauce and mix well.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add sauced chicken, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a separate pot over medium heat, stir in flour and cook for about a minute. Gradually pour in warmed milk and chicken broth, stirring until thick.
- Reduce heat, add cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using.
- In a bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce, mixing well.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), transfer mixture to a baking dish. Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Optionally drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and garnish with scallions. Serve warm.
Notes
For the best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese and adjust spices to taste. This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, BBQ chicken, comfort food, casserole, easy recipe