Craft a delicious and convenient BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with this simple recipe. Start by cooking al dente pasta, then prepare a creamy cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar. Add cooked BBQ chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for flavor. Marinate and bake chicken breasts before shredding them for a tender texture. Use tubular pasta shapes like penne or fusilli for maximum sauce absorption. Enjoy this easy, tasty dish perfect for busy evenings or casual get-togethers!
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Quick and Delicious Dinner Solution
Elevate your pasta night with this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe, a hearty and flavorful dish that’s easy to prepare. This modern take on a classic combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce infused with smoky BBQ flavors. With simple steps from marinating the chicken to baking the final dish, it’s a weeknight dinner winner that promises to satisfy everyone at the table. Get ready for a comforting culinary adventure!
Ingredients:
– 400g pasta (penne or fusilli)
– 450g boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– … [and more as listed in the sections below]
- Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
- – Detail the necessary ingredients with quantities.
- Preparing the BBQ Chicken
- – Outline steps to marinate and cook the chicken, ensuring a flavorful base for the dish.
- Cooking the Pasta
- – Provide guidance on choosing the right pasta type and cooking it al dente.
Ingredients for BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
To create a mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, gather the following ingredients for a flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly. Start with a base of pasta, preferably your favorite short noodle shape, such as macaroni or penne. Combine this with tender, smoky BBQ chicken pieces, adding a burst of savory flavors. Enhance the dish with creamy cheese, like cheddar or mozzarella, for a rich, indulgent texture. Don’t forget to include a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper, to elevate the overall taste profile.
For an even richer experience, incorporate butter and milk or cream to create a velvety sauce that coats each bite perfectly. Finely chop some fresh parsley or green onions for added color and a burst of freshness. This BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about balancing ease of preparation with exceptional taste, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
– Detail the necessary ingredients with quantities.
To craft a satisfying BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, gather the following ingredients: 1 pound (450g) of your favorite pasta, 2 cups (480ml) of milk, 1/2 cup (113g) of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup (30g) of all-purpose flour, 2 cups (240g) of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup (170g) of cooked and shredded BBQ chicken, 1 teaspoon (5ml) of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon (5ml) of onion powder, salt and pepper to taste.
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil for the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk, stirring constantly. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in cheddar, BBQ chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Drain the pasta, adding it directly to the cheese sauce. Toss well to coat, serving hot.
Preparing the BBQ Chicken
To prepare the BBQ chicken for this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, toss diced chicken breasts with a mixture of BBQ sauce, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful combination will coat the chicken evenly, infusing each bite with smoky, sweet, and savory notes. Transfer the marinated chicken to a baking dish and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked through, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each piece of chicken is tender and juicy.
– Outline steps to marinate and cook the chicken, ensuring a flavorful base for the dish.
To create a mouthwatering BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe, start by marinating your chicken to infuse it with flavor. In a shallow dish, combine your favorite BBQ sauce, a drizzle of olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cubed chicken breasts and coat them evenly. Let this mixture sit for at least 30 minutes or refrigerate up to 4 hours for a deeper taste.
Once marinated, preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can cook it in a pan with a bit of oil. Once done, shred the chicken using two forks and set it aside. This step ensures tender, flavorful pieces that will blend perfectly with your pasta and cheese.
Cooking the Pasta
When preparing this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, cooking the pasta is a breeze. Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Once it reaches a full boil, gently drop in your chosen pasta shape, whether it’s elbow macaroni, penne, or fusilli. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and time according to the package instructions for al dente texture – this usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta through a fine-mesh sieve, reserving about 1/2 cup of starchy cooking water before rinsing with cold water to stop the cooking process. This step ensures your mac and cheese remains creamy and delicious.
– Provide guidance on choosing the right pasta type and cooking it al dente.
When crafting a BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, selecting the perfect pasta is key. Opt for a shape that holds sauce well, such as penne or fusilli. These tubes capture the BBQ sauce and cheese, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Cook the pasta al dente – just firm to the bite – by following package instructions carefully. This ensures a delightful texture contrast in your dish, complementing the tender BBQ chicken and creamy cheese sauce.
For the best results, taste the pasta a minute or two before the recommended time to avoid overcooking. Al dente pasta should have a slight resistance when chewed, providing a satisfying crunch that balances the rich, indulgent flavors of BBQ chicken mac and cheese.