Description
Get ready for the ultimate comfort mashup! Smoky, saucy BBQ chicken meets sharp Cheddar mac, baked golden brown. Detailed step-by-step instructions and complete nutritional analysis included.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: 1 pound
- Cooked, shredded chicken breast: 2 cups
- BBQ sauce (favorite kind): 1 cup
- Sharp Cheddar cheese (shredded): 3 cups
- Whole milk: 3 cups
- Unsalted butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick)
- All-purpose flour: 1/4 cup
- Salt and black pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain and set aside. In a separate bowl, toss the shredded chicken with the 1 cup of BBQ sauce until thoroughly coated.
- Step 2: Prepare the cheese sauce (roux and béchamel). Melt the butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste (roux) forms. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Gradually stir in the 3 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Season the cheese sauce generously with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Combine the mac and cheese components. Add the cooked macaroni and the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheese sauce. Stir everything gently until the pasta, chicken, and sauce are evenly distributed.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the top is lightly golden brown. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Keep refrigerated leftovers covered tightly for up to 3 days; adding a tablespoon of milk before sealing helps maintain moisture.
- When reheating, avoid high heat; gently warm single servings in the microwave or place leftovers covered with foil in a 300°F oven until the center is piping hot.
- Serve alongside a crisp green salad or creamy coleslaw to cut through the richness, and garnish with crispy turkey bacon or fresh scallions for texture.
- Whisking in a tablespoon of cream cheese or Monterey Jack along with the Cheddar will yield an even silkier, less grainy cheese sauce that holds up beautifully during the bake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx. 380g)
- Calories: 680
- Sodium: 1450mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Protein: 15g