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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you love—shells or cavatappi work well, too.
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie chicken is a time-saver, but baked or grilled works just as well).
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce use your favorite—sweet, smoky, or spicy.
  • 2 cups shredded cheese a mix of 1 cup sharp cheddar and 1 cup mozzarella is my go-to.
  • 1 cup milk preferably whole milk for extra creaminess.
  • ½ cup heavy cream this takes the creaminess up a notch.
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Grated parmesan cheese
  • Crispy breadcrumbs or panko for a crunchy baked topping

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 oz elbow macaroni until al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions).
  • Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

  • In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.
  • Stir in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it’s golden and fragrant.
  • Slowly whisk in 1 cup milk and 1/2 cup heavy cream, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens.
  • Add 2 cups shredded cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  • Season the sauce with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Combine Everything

  • Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  • Add the 2 cups shredded chicken and 1/2 cup BBQ sauce to the mix. Stir until everything is evenly combined and coated in creamy, smoky goodness.
  • If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 4: Optional Baking

  • If you want an extra-special touch, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
  • Sprinkle the top with additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden.
  • For a crispy finish, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.