Cook tubular pasta and grill marinated chicken breasts for a hearty BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Whisk together butter, flour, milk, cheese, spices, and sauce for a creamy base. Mix pasta, chicken, and sauce, top with breadcrumbs, then bake until golden. Serve hot, store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
“Elevate your comfort food game with our mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. This quick and easy dish combines the classic mac and cheese with tender grilled chicken marinated in a zesty BBQ sauce. Learn how to prepare the perfect pasta, create a creamy cheese sauce, and master the art of combining these flavors in one pan. From grilling the chicken to baking it to perfection, this recipe ensures a delicious meal that’s ready in no time. Discover cooking tips for storage and reheating, ensuring you can enjoy this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese anytime.”
- Choose Your Pasta and BBQ Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Marinate and Grill
- Create the Creamy Mac and Cheese Sauce
- Combine and Mix Ingredients Seamlessly
- Baking and Topping with Cheese
- Cooking Time and Temperature
- Serve and Enjoy Presentation
- Tips for Storage and Reheating
Choose Your Pasta and BBQ Chicken
When it comes to choosing your pasta for a delicious BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe, opt for a shape that holds sauce well, such as penne or fusilli. These tubular shapes provide a great texture contrast against the creamy mac and cheese sauce, while also capturing the tangy BBQ chicken pieces efficiently. For the BBQ chicken, you can either start with store-bought shredded chicken or take the time to grill your own boneless, skinless chicken breasts until they’re tender and juicy.
Marinating the chicken in a mixture of BBQ sauce, garlic, and herbs before grilling adds an extra layer of flavor that permeates throughout the dish. Once cooked, shred the chicken coarsely to ensure it mixes well with the pasta and cheese, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. This simple yet flavorful combination is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, ensuring your BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe is as delicious as it is easy to prepare.
Prepare the Chicken: Marinate and Grill
To kickstart your BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe, begin by preparing the chicken. Marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, BBQ sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for at least 30 minutes. This step ensures that every bite is infused with a smoky, tangy flavor. After marinating, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken until it’s cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender and juicy slices.
Create the Creamy Mac and Cheese Sauce
To create a creamy and comforting Mac and Cheese sauce for your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe, start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to form a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Gradually add 2 cups whole milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture should thicken gradually as the milk heats through.
Stir in 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt and combine fully. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add a splash of BBQ sauce for that smoky, tangy flavor. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy, and it clings nicely to your pasta when you try it.
Combine and Mix Ingredients Seamlessly
In the heart of this mouthwatering BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe lies a harmonious blend of ingredients, seamlessly combined to create a culinary masterpiece. Start by whisking together the pasta, cooked and slightly cooled, with a generous helping of creamy cheese sauce. The sauce, enriched with butter, flour, milk, and spices, forms a velvety base that coats each strand of pasta perfectly. Next, incorporate chunks of tender BBQ chicken, adding a smoky, savory note to the mix. This combination sets the stage for an explosion of flavors in every bite.
To elevate the dish further, sprinkle shredded cheese on top, allowing it to melt and create a golden-brown, crispy crust. The seamless integration of these elements ensures that each component complements the other, resulting in a BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe that’s as comforting as it is tantalizing.
Baking and Topping with Cheese
After perfectly cooking your pasta al dente, it’s time to elevate the dish with a mouthwatering combination of BBQ chicken and cheese. The secret lies in baking the mixture in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld together. Start by tossing your cooked pasta with shredded BBQ chicken, ensuring each strand is coated evenly. Next, create a creamy cheese sauce by combining shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or any blend of cheeses you prefer with a splash of milk and a touch of butter. Pour this sauce over the pasta and chicken mixture, stirring until well incorporated.
Transfer your creation to an oven-safe dish and sprinkle the top generously with breadcrumbs for added crunch and a golden brown crust. Bake until bubbly and golden, watching closely as the cheese topping transforms into a delectable, oozing layer. This simple yet indulgent step takes your BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe to new heights, creating a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for satisfying cravings.
Cooking Time and Temperature
Cooking this mouthwatering BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe is simpler than you think, with a total preparation time of just 20 minutes! The key to achieving perfect results lies in temperature control. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) – this ensures that the cheese melts beautifully while the pasta cooks al dente. For the best texture, cook the pasta for around 8-10 minutes until it’s tender yet firm. Then, quickly toss it with the BBQ chicken and a rich blend of cheeses before transferring to an ovenproof dish. Bake for 5-7 minutes, allowing the cheese to bubble and turn golden brown. This quick cooking process preserves the freshness of the ingredients, creating a delightful BBQ chicken mac and cheese that’s ready in no time!
Serve and Enjoy Presentation
Once your pasta is cooked al dente, drain it well and return it to the pot. Add the BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and diced tomatoes, tossing everything together until the cheese is fully incorporated and the pasta is evenly coated.
Serve the BBQ chicken mac and cheese immediately in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley or chives if desired. The combination of tender pasta, tangy BBQ sauce, and creamy cheese creates a comforting and satisfying dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy every bite as you indulge in this delicious BBQ chicken mac and cheese recipe!
Tips for Storage and Reheating
When storing leftover BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe, it’s best to keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This helps maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. Before reheating, ensure the dish is evenly heated through. You can either microwave it in 30-second intervals or heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Reheat until warm throughout, but be careful not to overcook, as this can dry out the pasta and cheese.
For best results, reheat in small batches if your dish is large. This ensures that every bite of your delicious BBQ Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe retains its original flavor and texture. Remember, proper storage and reheating techniques are key to enjoying this mouth-watering meal again and again!