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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 20 minutesCook Time: 35 minutesTotal Time: 55 minutes
Course: Main CourseCuisine: AmericanKeyword: BBQ Chicken Mac and CheeseServings: 6Calories: ~620 per serving

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Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • For the Chicken
  • 1½ lbs boneless chicken breast or thighs
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce
  • For the Mac and Cheese
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni or cavatappi
  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3½ cups whole milk warm
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese grated
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional Topping
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar
  • ¼ cup BBQ sauce drizzle

Method
 

  1. Cook the Chicken
  2. Season chicken with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with oil and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked.
  4. Chop or shred and toss with BBQ sauce. Set aside.
  5. Cook the Pasta
  6. Bring salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until just under al dente.
  7. Drain and set aside.
  8. Make the Cheese Sauce
  9. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
  10. Slowly whisk in warm milk until smooth and thick.
  11. Lower heat and stir in cheeses until melted. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
  12. Assemble
  13. Stir pasta into cheese sauce. Fold in BBQ chicken gently.
  14. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
  15. Bake
  16. Top with extra cheese if desired.
  17. Bake at 375°F / 190°C for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
  18. Serve
  19. Rest 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce if desired.