Tangy BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: A Southern Comfort Masterpiece 🍗🧀🔥
1. Introduction
Discover the ultimate BBQ chicken mac and cheese, a mouthwatering mac and cheese recipe that combines the smoky richness of barbecue with the creamy comfort of traditional cheese pasta. This chicken pasta bake is packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or a comforting meal that impresses everyone. Combining tender, smoky chicken with gooey cheese and a tangy barbecue sauce, this hearty mac and cheese is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this flavorful twist on classic comfort food elevates your dinner game while being quick and easy to prepare.
2. Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably tangy or smoky)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
3. Preparing the BBQ chicken mac and cheese base
Boil the Pasta
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside. For a more flavorful pasta, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free options, enhancing your recipe with versatile ingredients.
Cook the Chicken
If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly and shred it into bite-sized pieces. You can also opt for pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Toss the shredded chicken with half of the barbecue sauce for an extra burst of smoky flavor. For more quick dinner ideas, explore our dinner recipes.
4. Sautéing Aromatics and Combining Flavors
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant. Adding aromatics is key to building depth of flavor in your comfort food recipes.
Mixing the Sauces and Cheese
Add the remaining barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and heat through. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the milk or heavy cream, stirring constantly to create a smooth, cheesy sauce. This step ensures a velvety texture that coats every piece of pasta and chicken evenly.
5. Assembling the BBQ chicken mac and cheese
Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
In the skillet or a large mixing bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the shredded chicken and the creamy barbecue sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. For added flavor and texture, consider stirring in some cooked bacon bits or chopped jalapenos.
Layer with Cheese
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top. For extra cheesy indulgence, add more shredded cheese on top before baking. This step ensures a gooey, irresistible cheesy crust that makes the dish truly comforting.
6. Baking and Serving
Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled BBQ chicken mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden-brown on top. For an extra crispy topping, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Garnish and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro for a burst of freshness. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with a crisp green salad or cornbread to complete your Southern comfort meal.
7. Storage Tips and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power until heated through, or reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) uncovered for the best crispy topping. This slow cooker recipe version is also perfect for make-ahead meals.
8. Serving Suggestions and Variations
Enhance your BBQ chicken mac and cheese by adding chopped bacon, diced jalapenos, or chopped cilantro for extra zest. Serve with classic Southern sides like coleslaw or garlic bread for a true comfort food experience. Feel free to customize this chicken pasta bake to your taste with various cheeses or toppings.
9. Conclusion
In summary, the BBQ chicken mac and cheese is a decadent, savory comfort food dish that seamlessly blends smoky barbecue flavor with creamy cheese goodness. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this mac and cheese recipe delivers hearty flavor and satisfying textures in every bite. Embrace the bold Southern flavors and enjoy a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will love!
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Tangy BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: A Southern Comfort Masterpiece
Experience the rich, smoky flavors of our Tangy BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, a Southern-inspired comfort food that combines tender shredded chicken with creamy cheese and zesty barbecue sauce. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a hearty weekend meal, this recipe offers a delightful twist on classic mac and cheese with a flavorful barbecue kick.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (preferably tangy or smoky)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in a large salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- If using raw chicken, cook thoroughly and shred into bite-sized pieces; toss with half the barbecue sauce.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion until translucent (3-4 minutes), then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add remaining barbecue sauce, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; stir to combine. Lower heat, add milk or heavy cream gradually, and stir constantly to form a smooth sauce.
- In a large bowl or skillet, toss cooked pasta with shredded chicken and barbecue sauce mixture until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Add extra cheese if desired.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the assembled mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked chicken to save time.
- For a spicier version, add diced jalapenos or chopped cilantro.
- Adjust the amount of barbecue sauce to control tanginess and flavor intensity.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Southern American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/6 of dish)
- Calories: 580 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg