BBQ CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN

I still remember the church picnic years ago where Mrs. Henderson unveiled her infamous mac and cheese. Everyone raved about it, but it wasn’t until I tweaked it with my favorite BBQ chicken flavors that I truly understood its creamy, cheesy potential. The smoky, tangy barbecue sauce combined with the rich, cheesy pasta was a revelation! It was then that the idea for this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – Creamy Dream! started brewing. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – Creamy Dream! you’ll ever make!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Your New Comfort Food Obsession

Okay, friends, let’s talk about comfort food taken to a whole new level. We’re not just talking about regular mac and cheese here; we’re talking about a creamy, dreamy, barbecue chicken-infused masterpiece that will have everyone begging for seconds (and maybe thirds!). This recipe is truly special, combining the best of both worlds: the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the bold, smoky flavors of barbecue chicken.

This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect dish for potlucks, family gatherings, or even a cozy night in. Get ready to impress everyone with your culinary skills because this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why This Recipe Works So Well

What makes this recipe stand out from the crowd? It’s all about the balance of flavors and textures. The creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly complements the smoky, tangy barbecue chicken. The addition of crispy bacon (because bacon makes everything better, right?) adds a delightful crunch and savory flavor that takes this dish to the next level. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make!

Ingredients You’ll Need for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Glory

Let’s gather our ingredients, shall we? Don’t worry, you probably have most of these in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need to create this masterpiece:

• Pasta: 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape!)
• Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• BBQ Sauce: 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce (I prefer a sweet and smoky one)
• Bacon: 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• Butter: 1/4 cup (for that luscious sauce!)
• Flour: 1/4 cup (to thicken things up)
• Milk: 3 cups (whole milk for the creamiest results!)
• Cheese: 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar is my go-to)
• Cream Cheese: 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for extra creaminess and tang!)
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish

Pro Tip: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or even a little smoked gouda would be delicious in this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!

Alright, let’s dive into the fun part: making this amazing BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! Don’t be intimidated; I’ll walk you through each step.

1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. We don’t want mushy mac and cheese!
2. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking your own chicken, make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded. Toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and set aside.
3. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. Let it cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. I like to cook mine in the oven – it’s less messy!
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken our sauce.
5. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.
6. Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens!
7. Season the Sauce: Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.
8. Combine Everything: Add the cooked macaroni and BBQ chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
9. Add the Bacon: Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
10. Bake (Optional): For an extra layer of deliciousness, you can transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
11. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining bacon and chopped green onions (if using) over the mac and cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Cheese Sauce

The cheese sauce is the heart of this recipe, so let’s make sure it’s perfect! Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Use Whole Milk: Whole milk will give you the creamiest, richest sauce. If you’re using lower-fat milk, you may need to add a little extra cheese to achieve the same consistency.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own cheese ensures a smooth, creamy sauce.
• Don’t Overcook the Sauce: Overcooking the cheese sauce can cause it to become grainy. Cook it over low heat and stir constantly until the cheese is melted and smooth.
• Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Make sure your cream cheese is nice and soft before adding it. This will help it blend into the sauce seamlessly.

Variations to Make it Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is that you can easily customize it to your liking! Here are a few variations to get you started:

• Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
• Vegetarian BBQ Mac and Cheese: Substitute the chicken with black beans or roasted vegetables like corn, bell peppers, and zucchini.
• Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese: Replace some of the cheddar cheese with smoked gouda for a smoky, sophisticated flavor.
• Different BBQ Sauce: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors! Try a honey BBQ, a spicy BBQ, or a tangy vinegar-based BBQ sauce.
• Add Some Greens: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients and color.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal!

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when paired with the right side dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Coleslaw: The cool, creamy coleslaw is a perfect counterpoint to the rich, cheesy mac and cheese.
• Cornbread: A slice of warm, buttery cornbread is a classic pairing with BBQ dishes.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will add some freshness to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts are a healthy and delicious side dish.

While we’re on the subject of delicious and easy chicken dishes, have you tried my BUTTER CHICKEN? It’s another one of my absolute favorites! Or, if you’re looking for something a bit lighter but still packed with flavor, my Chicken Macaroni Salad is a guaranteed potluck hit. Feeling adventurous? Try my HONEY PEPPER CHICKEN PASTA for a sweet and savory twist. And for those who like it spicy, my Spicy Chicken Rigatoni is sure to satisfy! Alternatively, for an easy casserole night, you can never go wrong with the Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole. Finally, for a quick and easy recipe that’s fun to make, you can never go wrong with the Chicken Stuffed Crescent Rolls.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Want to get a head start on this recipe? Here’s how to make it ahead and store leftovers:

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the cheese sauce and BBQ chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta, combine everything, and bake (if desired).
• Storage: Store leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Final Thoughts: Get Ready to Impress!

There you have it! My ultimate recipe for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – a creamy, dreamy, flavor-packed dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free, so don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Heaven

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food mashup with this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Creamy, cheesy macaroni is combined with tender, smoky BBQ chicken and crispy bacon for a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish

Equipment

• large pot
• colander
• Large saucepan
• whisk
• wooden spoon or spatula
• Baking sheet (for bacon)
• Oven (optional)
• Baking dish (optional)
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• cutting board

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking your own chicken, ensure it’s fully cooked and shredded. Toss the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce and set aside.
4. Cook bacon until crispy. Let cool slightly, then crumble into small pieces.
5. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
6. Gradually whisk in milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starts to thicken.
7. Reduce heat to low and add cheddar cheese and cream cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
9. Add cooked macaroni and BBQ chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
10. Stir in most of the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
11. If baking, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
12. Sprinkle remaining bacon and chopped green onions (if using) over the mac and cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

For an extra creamy sauce, use whole milk and grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent smooth melting. Do not overcook the cheese sauce; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Soften the cream cheese before adding to the sauce to ensure seamless blending. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, or substitute the chicken with black beans for a vegetarian option.