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- 8 ounces elbow macaroni - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand) - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish) In this dish, the elbow macaroni serves as the perfect base. You want it to be tender but not mushy. The cooked chicken adds protein and pairs well with the BBQ sauce. Choose a BBQ sauce that you love; this really makes the dish pop. The blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheese gives a rich, creamy texture. Cream cheese adds extra creaminess to the mix. For seasonings, garlic powder and onion powder elevate the flavor. A pinch of salt and pepper is all you need for balance. Panko breadcrumbs bring a delightful crunch on top, while fresh parsley brightens the dish with color and freshness. If you want to explore more about the recipe, check out the Full Recipe for details. Start by boiling a large pot of water. Once it starts to bubble, add 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Cook until it is al dente, which usually takes about 7 to 9 minutes. After the pasta cooks, drain it in a colander and set it aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded chicken with 1 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Stir well until the chicken is fully coated in sauce. This adds great flavor to the dish. In a large saucepan, over medium heat, mix 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth. Add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, along with salt and pepper to taste. This makes your cheese sauce rich and delicious. Now, add the cooked macaroni and the BBQ chicken mixture to your cheese sauce. Mix everything well until the pasta is evenly coated and the chicken is spread throughout. This step is key to getting all those tasty flavors in every bite. Next, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs over it for a crunchy topping. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. For the full recipe, check the link above. Enjoy your meal! To make a smooth cheese sauce, use low heat. Start with cream cheese. It melts well and helps bind the other cheeses. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella. Keep stirring until it melts completely. If you notice clumps, keep stirring. Adding a splash of milk can help smooth it out too. Your choice of BBQ sauce can change the dish. Try sweet, tangy, or spicy BBQ sauces to find your favorite. You can even mix different sauces for a unique taste. For extra heat, add chili powder or cayenne pepper. Just a pinch can make it pop! BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a great main dish. Pair it with a simple green salad for freshness. For a heartier meal, serve it with garlic bread. You can also use it as a side dish at barbecues or potlucks. This dish is sure to please any crowd! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese. Try using pulled pork instead of chicken. The smoky flavor pairs well with the cheese and BBQ sauce. You can also use ground beef for a hearty twist. For vegetarians, consider using jackfruit as a meat substitute. It has a great texture and absorbs flavors well. Cheese is key in this dish. You can mix and match different cheeses for unique flavors. Consider using gouda or pepper jack for a fun kick. Adding cream sauces can also create a rich, creamy texture. This gives your mac and cheese a gourmet touch, making it stand out. If you want a lighter version, try whole grain pasta. It adds fiber and nutrients. You can also reduce the amount of cheese for a healthier dish. This still keeps the creamy feel without being too heavy. You can use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for added protein. To keep your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese fresh, store it in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. It can stay good for about three to four days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating them right is key. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Cover with foil to keep it moist. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until hot. You can also use the microwave, but it may dry out. If you choose the microwave, heat it in short bursts. Stir it often to keep it creamy and delicious. The best BBQ sauce often depends on your taste. Here are some options you might enjoy: - Sweet BBQ sauce adds a nice glaze. - Spicy BBQ sauce brings heat and flavor. - Smoky BBQ sauce adds depth. Try different ones to find your favorite! Yes, you can make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Prepare the dish up to the baking step. - Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. - When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Absolutely! Most kids love cheese and chicken. Here are some ways to make it even more appealing: - Use mild cheese for a softer taste. - Cut the chicken into smaller pieces for easy eating. - Offer extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. This dish lasts about 3 to 5 days in the fridge when stored well. Here are some storage tips: - Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. - Reheat it gently to maintain texture. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it! BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines classic flavors for a tasty dish. You start with elbow macaroni, cooked chicken, and a rich cheese sauce. Mix in BBQ sauce and seasonings for added flavor. Baking brings it all together, topped with breadcrumbs and more cheese. Try different proteins or cheeses to make it your own. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. This dish is fun and easy for everyone, even picky eaters. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese! This easy recipe combines creamy cheeses, tender chicken, and zesty BBQ sauce for a mouthwatering meal everyone will love. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it's sure to impress. Ready in just 45 minutes, follow our simple steps to create this cheesy delight.
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces elbow macaroni

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Mix Chicken and BBQ Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is fully coated.

      Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate large saucepan over medium heat, combine the cream cheese, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

        Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni and BBQ chicken mixture to the cheese sauce. Mix everything until the pasta is evenly coated and the chicken is distributed throughout.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

            Add Toppings: Top the mac and cheese with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly on top for added crunch.

              Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

                Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6