Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or gathering.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
BBQ Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lb chicken breasts, sliced in half
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oil
- 1/3 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 Tbsp franks red hot or any buffalo sauce (optional)
Mac and Cheese:
- 12 oz box shells, medium-sized (about 2 cups of dry pasta)
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt & pepper
- 1/2 tsp chipotle powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 cup cheddar, shredded
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
Instructions
- BBQ Chicken: If you are cooking your own chicken, season and cook until done. Shred/chop the chicken, mix with BBQ & hot sauce, and set aside.
- Mac and Cheese: Cook pasta, make cheese sauce, combine with shredded BBQ chicken. Optionally, bake in oven at 400º for 15 minutes. Serve garnished with cilantro.
Notes
- Taste the cheese sauce for seasoning adjustments.
- Use chicken broth for a healthier option.
- Cook noodles al dente for best texture.
- Do not over bake the mac & cheese.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
