The Art of Perfect Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Perfect Pasta Foundation

Master the technique of cooking pasta to ideal al dente texture and proper preparation for optimal cheese sauce absorption.

BBQ Chicken Excellence

Achieve perfectly seasoned and cooked chicken with ideal BBQ flavor integration that complements creamy cheese sauce throughout.

Smooth Cheese Sauce Mastery

Learn the art of creating silky, lump-free cheese sauce with proper roux technique and gradual cheese incorporation methods.

Assembly and Baking Perfection

Master the technique of layering ingredients and achieving golden, bubbly top while maintaining creamy interior texture.

Presentation and Serving

Learn proper resting, garnishing, and serving techniques that showcase ultimate comfort food at its most appealing presentation.

Expert Tips for Perfect Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Pasta Cooking: Cook pasta just until al dente as it will continue cooking in oven - overcooked pasta becomes mushy in final dish.

Cheese Selection: Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting properties - pre-shredded cheese contains additives that prevent smooth melting.

Roux Technique: Cook flour and butter mixture long enough to eliminate raw flour taste but not so long that it browns and affects flavor.

Chicken Preparation: Don't overcook chicken as it will continue cooking in oven - juicy chicken makes all the difference in final dish.

Assembly Tips: Let mac and cheese rest after baking to allow cheese sauce to thicken slightly for perfect serving consistency.

Storage Notes: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days and reheat gently with splash of milk to restore creamy texture.

Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Smoky Comfort Food Perfection

Name: Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Smoky Comfort Food Perfection
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For Mac and Cheese Base:; 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta; 4 cups whole milk; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper; For BBQ Chicken:; 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts; 1 cup barbecue sauce, divided; 2 tablespoons brown sugar; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; For Topping:; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; For Flavor Variations:; 1/2 cup bacon bits (bacon version)

The most indulgent and satisfying BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese you'll ever make - incredibly rich and comforting with layers of perfectly melted cheese, tender BBQ chicken, and creamy pasta that brings together the best of comfort food, creating the ultimate American dish that's so delicious it'll have everyone asking for seconds with every perfectly cheesy bite that tastes like pure comfort food heaven at home with restaurant quality flavor.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

35 Minutes

Total Time

60 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For Mac and Cheese Base:

1 lb elbow macaroni pasta

4 cups whole milk

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

For BBQ Chicken:

2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts

1 cup barbecue sauce, divided

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

For Flavor Variations:

1/2 cup bacon bits (bacon version)

1 cup pulled pork (pulled pork version)

1/2 cup jalapeños, diced (spicy version)

1/4 cup green onions, sliced (loaded version)

For Serving Presentation:

Fresh chives, chopped

Green onions, sliced

Extra barbecue sauce

Hot sauce

For Garnish & Extras:

Additional shredded cheese

Crispy onions

Fresh herbs

Barbecue sauce drizzle

Sour cream dollop

Pickled jalapeños

Cornbread croutons

Smoked paprika dust

Rustic serving bowls

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, drain well and set aside in large mixing bowl.

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

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.

Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then dice into bite-sized pieces and toss with 1/2 cup barbecue sauce and brown sugar.

In large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook 2 minutes to create smooth roux.

Gradually whisk in milk, cooking and stirring constantly until mixture thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.

Remove from heat and stir in cream cheese until melted, then add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne.

Add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses gradually, stirring until completely melted and sauce is smooth and velvety.

Pour cheese sauce over cooked macaroni and fold gently to coat all pasta evenly with rich, creamy sauce.

Fold in diced BBQ chicken and remaining barbecue sauce, mixing gently to distribute chicken throughout mac and cheese.

Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and spread evenly, pressing lightly to create smooth, even surface.

Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, shredded cheddar, and parsley, then sprinkle evenly over mac and cheese.

Bake 25-30 minutes until bubbly around edges and golden brown on top with crispy, crunchy topping.

Let rest 10 minutes before serving to allow cheese sauce to set slightly for perfect consistency and easier serving.

Garnish with fresh chives and green onions, then serve hot with extra barbecue sauce on the side for authentic comfort food experience.

Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Smoky Comfort Food Perfection

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Smoky Comfort Food Perfection

Ingredients

Instructions