BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – CookTune: The Ultimate Comfort Food with a Delicious BBQ Twist 🍗🧀🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for super delicious dinner recipes that are perfect for crowd pleasers meals and parties, look no further than this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Combining the creamy goodness of classic mac and cheese with tender, flavorful bbq chicken, this dish elevates the traditional comfort food to a new level of deliciousness. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a weekend dinner, or a casual get-together, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. The combination of dinner recipes and easy crowd pleasers meals makes this dish a must-try for everyone who loves good food.
2. Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (try different BBQ sauce ideas)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
3. Step-by-step Instructions to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Preparation of Pasta and Chicken
Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If you haven’t already prepared the chicken, you can use leftover grilled bbq chicken, or cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them.
Cook the Base of the Dish
In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the shredded chicken and stir in the BBQ sauce, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until heated through. This will infuse the chicken with a smoky, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheese sauce.
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan, combine the sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses over medium heat. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For extra flavor, try some of our favorite cheese blends or cheese ideas.
Combine and Bake
Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and the BBQ chicken mixture. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish. For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle some additional cheese on top before baking. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. For a quick finish, you can use an Ninja Air Fryer to crisp the top.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly. For best results, stir halfway through reheating to distribute the heat evenly.
5. Serving Suggestions to Make It a Great Dinner
This great dinner pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. Add some crusty bread on the side to soak up all the delicious sauce. For an even more indulgent experience, serve with a cold beverage like a craft beer or a sparkling soda. Looking to elevate your dish? Try pairing it with some Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker for refreshing drinks.
6. Why BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Is the Best Recipe To Try
This best recipe to try combines the comfort of man’s favorite meal — mac and cheese — with the smoky, tangy flair of BBQ chicken. It’s an ideal choice for dinner recipes restaurants or home-cooked meals that impress. The versatility and bold flavors make it a yum food to make for dinners that everyone loves. Plus, it’s simple enough to whip up on a busy weeknight or serve as a crowd-pleasing dish at your next party.
7. FAQs about BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Q: Can I make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish up to the baking step, then store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Q: Can I use leftover grilled chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover grilled bbq chicken will deepen the flavor and save time. Just shred or dice the chicken and mix it with the sauce and pasta.
Q: What are some good variations for this dish?
Feel free to add vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition. You can also swap out types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, to customize the flavor.
8. Final Thoughts and Tips
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is truly a great dinner option because it’s easy, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. For more incredible pasta ideas and comfort food recipes, explore our collection. Using quality cookware like the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set can make your cooking easier and more enjoyable.
9. Conclusion
In conclusion, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines the best flavors of barbecue and cheesy comfort food to create a dish that’s perfect for any man’s favorite meal or dinner party. It’s simple to make, customizable, and sure to become a family staple. Whether you’re looking for yummy foods to make dinners or the best recipes to try, this dish hits all the marks. Make it today and enjoy a memorable, delicious dinner!
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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – CookTune
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with a flavorful BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish combines creamy cheese, tender BBQ chicken, and a smoky twist, making it perfect for crowd-pleasing dinners, parties, or family gatherings. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (try different BBQ sauce ideas)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Start by cooking the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. If you haven’t already prepared the chicken, use leftover grilled BBQ chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them.
- In a large skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until translucent. Add the shredded chicken and stir in the BBQ sauce, cooking for about 3-4 minutes until heated through.
- In a saucepan, combine the sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar, and mozzarella cheeses over medium heat. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and BBQ chicken mixture. Transfer to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. For a crispy top, use an air fryer or broiler for an extra 2-3 minutes.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add vegetables like corn or bell peppers.
- Use leftover grilled BBQ chicken for a deeper smoky taste.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave until hot and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
