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- 8 ounces elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1 cup honey BBQ sauce - 1 cup milk - 2 tablespoons butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish) Each of these ingredients plays a key role in the dish. The elbow macaroni is our base. It holds the sauce and adds texture. Cooked chicken brings protein and flavor. The cheeses create that creamy, dreamy texture we love. Honey BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy kick that makes this dish stand out. The butter and flour come together to make a rich cheese sauce. Garlic and onion powder add depth. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Breadcrumbs give a nice crunch on top, while fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious meal that combines comfort and excitement in every bite. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water to enhance flavor. Once the water boils, add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Cook based on the package instructions until it's al dente. This usually takes about 7-8 minutes. After it cooks, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Whisk the mixture for about 2 minutes until it turns smooth and slightly golden. Next, gradually pour in 1 cup of milk. Keep whisking to avoid lumps. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 cup each of shredded cheddar cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Now, add 1 cup of honey BBQ sauce and stir well to combine. In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and the creamy cheese sauce. Use a spatula to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. For the breadcrumb topping, combine ½ cup of breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter in a small bowl. Mix until the breadcrumbs are coated well. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden brown and crispy top. Once done, take it out and let it cool for a few minutes. Enjoy this tasty dish! To make a smooth cheese sauce, start with the right technique. When you melt the butter, add the flour gradually. This creates a roux. Stir it well to avoid lumps. After that, slowly add the milk. Whisk continuously as you pour. This step is key for a creamy sauce. Cook until it thickens but don't rush it. For the chicken, you can use shredded or rotisserie chicken. Shredded chicken cooks fast and mixes well with the sauce. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick meal. Just shred it and toss it in. Both options work great and save time. Breadcrumbs add a nice crunch to the dish. You can switch them up for more flavor. Try panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness. Adding herbs or spices to the breadcrumbs can also boost taste. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese can add depth too. Get creative and find your favorite topping! Pro Tips Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Ensure you cook the macaroni just until al dente for the best texture; it will continue to cook in the oven. Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quick and flavorful option, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like pepper jack or gouda for a unique flavor twist. Add Extra Toppings: For added crunch and flavor, consider mixing in crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions into the mac and cheese before baking. {{image_2}} You can boost the flavor and nutrition of your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with fun add-ins. Consider adding: - Broccoli: This adds color and crunch. - Spinach: For a pop of green and extra vitamins. - Bell Peppers: They bring sweetness and a bit of crunch. - Corn: Sweet kernels add a nice texture. You can also spice it up by adding extra seasonings like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper. These will enhance the taste and give your dish more depth. If you need gluten-free or dairy-free options, don't worry! You can make this dish work for your diet. For gluten-free, swap elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options. For a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. You can use dairy-free cheese to get that creamy texture. Just make sure to check the labels to ensure there are no hidden dairy ingredients. While cheddar and mozzarella are classic choices, you can explore other cheeses for unique flavors. Try these options: - Gouda: Adds a creamy, smoky flavor. - Pepper Jack: For a spicy kick. - Parmesan: Gives a sharp, nutty flavor. Mixing different cheeses can create a more complex taste. Experiment to find your favorite combination! You can store leftover Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in the fridge for up to 3 days. Place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This prevents condensation and keeps your dish from becoming soggy. To freeze your mac and cheese, first let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to use a container that fits the amount you want to reheat. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. For the best texture, reheat your Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Add a splash of milk to keep it creamy. Cover it with foil and bake for about 20 minutes. If you want a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also use the microwave, but it may not keep the same texture. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can use many pasta shapes! While elbow macaroni is classic, try penne, fusilli, or shells. These shapes hold sauce well and add fun to the dish. Just cook them until al dente, as per package instructions. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may vary from elbows. Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and store it in the fridge. To keep it fresh, use an airtight container. It will last up to three days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before enjoying. If you plan to freeze, do so before baking. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw and bake when you're ready. To add heat, consider these tips. First, mix in some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes. You can also use spicy BBQ sauce instead of honey BBQ. For extra flavor, add hot sauce to the cheese sauce. Adjust the amount to match your heat tolerance. Enjoy the kick! This blog post covered a tasty mac and cheese recipe with chicken and BBQ sauce. We discussed essential ingredients like elbow macaroni, cheeses, and the creamy sauce. You learned step-by-step instructions, tips for perfecting your dish, and even variations to try. In the end, this recipe is flexible and easy to adapt. It’s a great way to enjoy comfort food while also being creative. You can impress family and friends with your cooking skills!

Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

A delicious and creamy mac and cheese dish with shredded chicken and a sweet honey BBQ sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup honey BBQ sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder, whisking continuously for about 2 minutes until smooth and slightly golden.
  • Gradually add the milk to the saucepan, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  • Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Then, mix in the honey BBQ sauce, ensuring it's well incorporated.
  • In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and the creamy cheese mixture. Stir to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil or melted butter. Mix until the breadcrumbs are well-coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  • Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving for added color and flavor.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.
Keyword BBQ, chicken, comfort food, mac and cheese