Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Flavor Infusion:

Slowly add spices or herbs of your choice, ensuring even distribution. This step enhances the depth of flavor.

Base Preparation:

Begin by blending fresh fruits, yogurt, and honey until smooth. The mixture should have a creamy texture.

Baking Tips

Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for a smoother, creamier sauce

Choose a high-quality BBQ sauce with a flavor profile you enjoy – sweet, smoky, spicy, etc.

For extra smoky flavor, add 1/2 teaspoon of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce

Undercook the pasta slightly as it will continue to cook in the oven

For a time-saving option, use rotisserie chicken and simply toss with BBQ sauce

Balance the sweetness of the BBQ sauce with a sharp cheddar cheese

For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese mixture

Make sure to let the mac and cheese rest before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly

For a crispy topping, sprinkle with 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons of melted butter

This dish reheats well – add a splash of milk when reheating to restore creaminess

BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Name: BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Ingredients: For the Pasta:; 1 pound (16 oz) elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta; 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water); For the Chicken:; 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, divided (1/2 cup for mixing, 1/4 cup for topping); For the Cheese Sauce:; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk, warmed; 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated; 1/4 cup BBQ sauce; For Topping:; 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated; 3 green onions, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional); Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling; Equipment:

This BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese delivers a perfect blend of smoky, tangy barbecue flavors combined with creamy, cheesy pasta and tender chicken pieces. A medium-difficulty recipe that rewards proper timing and technique, this crowd-pleasing dish features al dente pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce with sweet and smoky barbecue undertones, topped with perfectly seasoned chicken that's been smothered in BBQ sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious balance of rich cheese, savory chicken, and that distinctive barbecue kick that will have everyone at the table coming back for seconds.

Prep Time

20 Minutes

Cook Time

30 Minutes

Total Time

50 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Pasta:

1 pound (16 oz) elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta

1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3/4 cup BBQ sauce, divided (1/2 cup for mixing, 1/4 cup for topping)

For the Cheese Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk, warmed

1/2 teaspoon mustard powder

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated

1/4 cup BBQ sauce

For Topping:

1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated

3 green onions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling

Equipment:

9x13 inch baking dish

Large pot for pasta

Large skillet for chicken

Medium saucepan for cheese sauce

Colander

Whisk

Measuring cups and spoons

Cheese grater

Meat thermometer

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions, but undercook by 1-2 minutes (it should be slightly firmer than al dente). Drain and set aside.

Season chicken breasts on both sides with garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before cutting into bite-sized pieces. Toss the chicken pieces with 1/2 cup of BBQ sauce in a bowl and set aside.

For the cheese sauce, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Gradually pour in the warmed milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the mustard powder, cayenne pepper (if using), smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk to combine.

Reduce heat to low and gradually add 3 cups of cheddar and 1 cup of Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.

Stir in 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce into the cheese sauce until well combined.

In a large bowl or the pasta pot, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, stirring until pasta is evenly coated.

Fold in the BBQ-coated chicken pieces, saving some for topping if desired.

Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and arrange any reserved BBQ chicken pieces on top.

Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup of BBQ sauce.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the edges are golden brown.

Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Garnish with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro (if using), and an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if desired.

BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Crafting the Ultimate Beverage

BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

Instructions