Best 5 Barbecue Chicken Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary masterpiece that combines the irresistible flavors of smoky barbecue chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, and a crispy golden crust. This Barbecue Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a delightful fusion of comfort food and smoky barbecue tang, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds. With three variations to choose from, this dish offers a versatile and customizable experience for any occasion:

1. **Classic Barbecue Chicken Macaroni and Cheese**: This traditional version features tender chicken coated in a luscious barbecue sauce, nestled atop a bed of creamy macaroni and cheese. Topped with a golden brown crust, this dish is a timeless favorite that embodies the essence of comfort food.

2. **Loaded Barbecue Chicken Macaroni and Cheese**: Take your taste buds on an adventurous ride with this loaded variation. Imagine succulent chicken smothered in a rich and flavorful barbecue sauce, nestled amidst a medley of crispy bacon bits, sweet corn kernels, and diced tomatoes. This dish is a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

3. **Baked Barbecue Chicken Macaroni and Cheese**: Experience the ultimate cheesy goodness with this baked version. Layers of tender chicken, creamy macaroni and cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping come together in perfect harmony. As the dish bakes to golden perfection, the aroma of barbecue chicken and melted cheese fills the air, creating an irresistible culinary experience.

No matter which variation you choose, this Barbecue Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you with a smile on your face.

Here are our top 5 tried and tested recipes!

BARBECUE CHICKEN WITH MAC AND CHEESE



Barbecue Chicken with Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 9

3 cups chopped cauliflower florets (about 8 ounces)
1 cup low-fat milk
1 1/2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon grated parmesan cheese
1 small plum tomato, halved
2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (about 1 pound)
Kosher salt
6 ounces elbow macaroni (about 1 3/4 cups)

Steps:

  • Preheat the broiler. Bring the cauliflower and milk to a boil in a large saucepan. Reduce the heat to medium, cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth; return to the saucepan and stir in 1 1/4 cups cheddar and the parmesan.
  • Meanwhile, grate the tomato into a bowl and stir in the barbecue sauce. Season the chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt; set on a baking sheet and broil until golden, about 7 minutes. Flip the chicken, brush with the barbecue sauce mixture and continue broiling, basting with the pan juices occasionally, until cooked through, 6 to 7 more minutes.
  • Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs; reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain. Add the pasta to the cauliflower mixture along with a splash of the reserved cooking water. Cook over low heat, stirring, until the pasta is coated. Top the mac and cheese with the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar; serve with the chicken.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 499 calorie, Fat 18 grams, SaturatedFat 9 grams, Cholesterol 132 milligrams, Sodium 701 milligrams, Carbohydrate 41 grams, Fiber 3 grams, Protein 42 grams

BBQ CHICKEN MACARONI AND CHEESE



BBQ Chicken Macaroni and Cheese image

This is a fabulous homemade macaroni and cheese, BBQ sweetened chicken, green onions and a subtle smoky flavor make this a macaroni and cheese perfect for kids and adults alike! Save yourself some time and use a rotisserie chicken for the shredded chicken-you can then use the legs for another meal and the bones for stock! To save more time, microwave the milk to heat it, instead of dirtying another saucepan. This recipe works better with blocks of cheese you shred yourself versus the cheese you buy pre-shredded in bags (but I would argue that for any recipe).

Provided by With Two Spoons

Categories     comfort food

Time 1h5m

Number Of Ingredients 12

1/4 cup unsalted butter
3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
4 cups milk
8 ounces gruyere cheese (shredded (2-3 cups))
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded (approximately 2-3 cups))
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup panko crumbs
2 Tablespoons butter
2 cups shredded chicken + additional for garnish (optional)
1/4 cup barbecue sauce (I use a sweet and smoky version + additional for garnish (optional).)
16 ounces macaroni noodles (cooked according to package directions)
green onions (finely chopped for garnish)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter.
  • Quickly whisk in flour until a roux (paste) is formed.
  • Heat milk in a small saucepan (or in the microwave to save time!).
  • Slowly add heated milk (and make sure it's fully warmed first) to the roux, whisking and simmering.
  • Add shredded cheese, whisking and simmering until thickened, approximately 10 minutes.
  • Add salt to taste.
  • While thickening cheese sauce, use a small skillet to melt 2 Tablespoons butter.
  • Brown panko crumbs in melted butter, browning 30 seconds to 1 minute on medium high, set aside.
  • Place cooked macaroni noodles in a casserole dish or 12 inch cast iron skillet.
  • Pour cheese sauce over noodles.
  • In a small bowl, mix chicken and barbecue sauce.
  • Mix BBQ chicken into the noodles and cheese.
  • Top with browned panko crumbs.
  • Bake approximately 35 minutes, until cheese is bubbly and top is browned.
  • Allow to cool for approximately 5 minutes.
  • Garnish with green onions and additional barbecue chicken or barbecue sauce, if desired
  • Serve and enjoy!

BBQ CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE



BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese image

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is an easy recipe made in 29 minutes combining the delicious flavors of BBQ chicken with creamy mac and cheese!

Provided by Whitney Bond

Categories     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 29m

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 oz uncooked macaroni noodles
8 oz cream cheese (cubed)
1 cup chicken broth
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp kosher salt
1 cup mozzarella cheese (shredded)
2 cups cooked & shredded boneless, skinless chicken breast
½ cup bbq sauce
2 tbsp fresh cilantro

Steps:

  • Cook the macaroni noodles according to package directions, drain, then set aside.
  • While the noodles are cooking, add the cream cheese and chicken broth to a separate large pot on the stove, and bring to a boil.
  • Whisk consistently until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, and add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper, combine well, then add the mozzarella cheese.
  • Stir continuously until the cheese has melted into the sauce, then add the chicken and bbq sauce.
  • Add the cooked macaroni noodles, stir to combine, then transfer to a serving bowl and top with the cilantro.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 4 g, Calories 748 kcal, Carbohydrate 82 g, Protein 37 g, Fat 29 g, SaturatedFat 15 g, Cholesterol 132 mg, Sodium 1323 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 16 g

BARBECUE CHICKEN MACARONI AND CHEESE



Barbecue Chicken Macaroni and Cheese image

Make and share this Barbecue Chicken Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ladyangel1997

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 40m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

16 ounces elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon butter or 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
8 ounces chicken, shredded
1/4-1/2 cup barbecue sauce
1/4 milk
1 (8 ounce) package sharp cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package monterey jack cheese
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

Steps:

  • Boil water and cook pasta according to directions; set aside.
  • Heat a small skillet; place the pat of butter in it; melt it; add the onions and cook until translucent.
  • Add chicken and cook until chicken is hot.
  • Chop or shred the blocked cheese. Set aside.
  • Combine the chicken; add macaroni; toss the barbecue sauce in making sure that it covers all of it.
  • In a large pot add the milk and all the cheeses and melt it, folding the pasta in as it heats to a bubbling.
  • Add salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot.

WAGON WHEEL WESTERN BBQ MAC & CHEESE



Wagon Wheel Western BBQ Mac & Cheese image

Provided by Jeff Mauro, host of Sandwich King

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

Unsalted butter, for buttering the baking dish
Kosher salt
1 pound wagon wheel pasta
Two 12-ounce cans evaporated milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, freshly grated (2 cups)
8 ounces foil-wrapped shelf-stable cheese such as Velveeta, grated or cubed (2 cups)
2 teaspoons cornstarch
6 ounces smoked mozzarella, shredded
1/4 cup barbecue sauce
One 8-ounce bag kettle-cooked barbecue flavored potato chips, crushed fine

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with a generous amount of salt. Boil the pasta until al dente, 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions.
  • Meanwhile, in a large pot over medium heat, add the evaporated milk and Dijon and whisk together. Bring to a simmer. Toss the Cheddar, shelf-stable cheese and cornstarch together in a bowl until totally coated. Stir into the sauce cheese and heat, stirring constantly, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is silky and smooth, about 5 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta, then add to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
  • Sprinkle an even layer of the mozzarella over the top. Drizzle the barbecue sauce over the cheese, and top with a thick layer of crumbled potato chips.
  • Bake, uncovered, until gooey and bubbling, 30 to 35 minutes. Serve hot.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients. The better the ingredients, the better the macaroni and cheese will be. Use fresh vegetables, a good quality cheese, and a flavorful barbecue sauce.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni. The macaroni should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. If you overcook it, it will become mushy and the dish will be less enjoyable.
  • Use a flavorful barbecue sauce. The barbecue sauce is what gives this dish its distinctive flavor. Choose a sauce that you enjoy the taste of and that has a good balance of sweetness, smokiness, and spice.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make barbecue chicken macaroni and cheese. Feel free to add other ingredients that you think would taste good, such as bacon, bell peppers, or corn.

Conclusion:

Barbecue chicken macaroni and cheese is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a game day party. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and flavorful barbecue sauce, this dish is sure to be a hit.

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