If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, this Ultimate BBQ Pulled Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is a must-try. It’s a delicious fusion of smoky, tangy pulled chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta that promises to satisfy those taste buds. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish brings together the best of BBQ and classic mac and cheese in every mouthwatering bite.
Steps
- Begin by cooking your chicken. Heat a large pan with oil over medium-high heat, slice the chicken breasts in half for even cooking, season them, and cook each side for 8-10 minutes until they reach 165ºF internally. Allow the chicken to rest for a couple of minutes, then shred or chop it, and mix with BBQ and hot sauce in a large bowl.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain it in a colander and set aside.
- In the same pot used for pasta, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add flour, whisking to create a roux, then incorporate seasonings and milk, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheese until melted.
- Combine the cooked pasta and BBQ-coated chicken with the cheese sauce in the pot, stirring until everything is well mixed.
- For a baked version, transfer the mixture to a 9×9 casserole dish, sprinkle some additional cheese, and drizzle more BBQ sauce on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 400ºF for about 15 minutes, then remove, serve, and enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced in half
- ½ teaspoon salt (additional as needed)
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon oil
- ? cup barbecue sauce (additional as needed)
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (optional)
- 12 ounces medium-sized pasta shells (approximately 2 cups dry), gluten-free pasta can be used
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder
- 1½ cups milk (any type of milk, or alternatively chicken broth)
- ½ cup water (or chicken broth)
- ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
FAQ
- Can I prepare BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese without chicken for a vegetarian version?
- Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and add a drizzle of BBQ sauce to the mac and cheese for a tasty vegetarian alternative.
- Is it possible to make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. When reheating, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk to ensure the cheese spreads smoothly.
- Can this recipe be adapted for a gluten-free diet?
- Certainly! Substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour and use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet.
- What type of cheese works best for this recipe?
- The recipe is versatile with cheese choices. Cheddar and pepper jack are recommended for a bit of spice, but Monterey Jack is a great option for a milder flavor.
- How should I store leftovers of BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze it for up to two months.
Tips
- Taste the cheese sauce as you make it, adjusting the salt and pepper to your preference for the best flavor.
- For a healthier version, consider using chicken broth instead of milk, opting for low-fat cheese, and selecting protein-rich pasta.
- Cook the pasta to an al dente texture to ensure it holds up well when combined with the creamy cheese sauce.
- When baking the dish in the oven, aim for a lightly browned top to avoid over-baking and to achieve the ultimate mac and cheese texture.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed pan or skillet
- 9×9 casserole dish