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BBQ Mac N Cheese with Chicken

BBQ Mac N Cheese with Chicken: The Best Comfort Food Fusion Recipe

  • Author: Crystal
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

Ultra creamy BBQ mac and cheese loaded with juicy chipotle-spiced chicken, tangy hot sauce, and baked cheesy goodness — the ultimate comfort food twist!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ lb chicken breasts, sliced in half
  • ½ tsp salt, more as needed
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp chipotle powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp oil
  • ⅓ cup barbecue sauce, more as needed
  • 2 Tbsp franks red hot or any buffalo sauce, optional
  • 12 oz box medium shells pasta (about 2 cups dry, gluten-free optional)
  • 4 Tbsp butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
  • ½ tsp salt & pepper
  • ½ tsp chipotle powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1½ cup milk or chicken broth
  • ½ cup water or chicken broth
  • ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese

Instructions

  1. Grab a large skillet and heat 1 tsp oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder.
  3. Add chicken to the hot pan and cook 8–10 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
  4. Let chicken rest 2 minutes, then shred or chop.
  5. Mix chicken with BBQ sauce and hot sauce in a large bowl. Set aside.
  6. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  7. In the same pot, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour until combined.
  8. Add salt, pepper, chipotle powder, garlic powder, and slowly stir in milk and water. Simmer until thickened.
  9. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and pepper jack cheeses until melted.
  10. Add drained pasta and BBQ chicken to the cheese sauce and mix well.
  11. Serve as-is or transfer to a 9×9 casserole dish.
  12. Top with extra cheese and BBQ sauce drizzle. Bake at 400ºF for 15 minutes.
  13. Optional: garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust BBQ and hot sauce to your spice level. Great for leftovers or meal prep!

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Comfort Food
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 portion
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 43g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

Keywords: BBQ, mac and cheese, chicken, comfort food, baked pasta

Find it online: https://crystalrecipes.com/bbq-mac-n-cheese-with-chicken/