BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
A comforting dish combining BBQ chicken and creamy mac and cheese. Perfect for family gatherings!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken breasts sliced in half
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp pepper
- 0.5 tsp chipotle powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oil
- 0.33 cup barbecue sauce
- 2 Tbsp hot sauce optional
- 12 oz medium-sized pasta shells about 2 cups
- 4 Tbsp butter
- 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp pepper
- 0.5 tsp chipotle powder
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 1.5 cups milk
- 0.5 cup water or chicken broth
- 0.75 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and cook the seasoned chicken for 8-10 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it rest for 2 minutes, then shred or chop it. Mix in barbecue sauce and hot sauce. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot used for pasta, melt butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour until smooth.
- Add salt, pepper, chipotle powder, and garlic powder. Slowly pour in milk or broth, whisking until it thickens.
- Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and pepper jack cheese until melted. Add in the cooked pasta and shredded BBQ chicken.
- Serve as is or transfer to a 9x9 casserole dish. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Optionally, top with extra cheddar and a drizzle of barbecue sauce before baking. Bake for 15 minutes. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add more hot sauce to the BBQ chicken. Customize with your favorite cheese blend or pasta shape.