BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bowl Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bowl combines creamy macaroni and cheese with tender, smoky BBQ chicken for a satisfying meal. It’s a perfect comfort food dish that brings together the best of both worlds.
The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized with your favorite BBQ sauce and cheese varieties. Ideal for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish is sure to please.
Comfort Food at Its Finest
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of flavors that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This dish combines creamy macaroni and cheese with tender, smoky BBQ chicken, creating a hearty bowl that is perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner.
The rich cheese sauce enveloping the al dente pasta adds a comforting texture, while the BBQ chicken introduces a savory element that elevates the dish. With every bite, you experience a blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and the bold flavors of BBQ.
Preparation Made Simple
Preparing this dish is straightforward and can be completed in about 45 minutes. Start by cooking the elbow macaroni until it reaches the perfect al dente texture, then set it aside while you create the cheese sauce.
The cheese sauce is made by melting butter and whisking in flour, garlic powder, and onion powder, followed by milk until it thickens. Once the sauce is smooth, mix in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts beautifully, creating a luscious coating for the pasta.
Combining Flavors
Once the cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked macaroni and shredded BBQ chicken to the pot, ensuring that every piece is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
Incorporating your favorite BBQ sauce adds a personal touch, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your liking. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect balance of creaminess and tanginess that makes this dish so irresistible.
Baking to Perfection
After combining all the ingredients, transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top it off with additional cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs if you prefer a crunchy topping.
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The aroma that fills your kitchen during baking is simply mouthwatering and sets the stage for a delightful meal.
Serving Suggestions
Once out of the oven, garnish your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Serving it in a rustic bowl enhances the comfort food appeal, making it visually inviting.
Don’t forget to provide a side of extra BBQ sauce for drizzling, allowing everyone to customize their bowls to their taste. This dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together around the table.
Nutritional Highlights
This hearty bowl serves four and packs a satisfying punch with approximately 550 calories per serving. With 30 grams of protein and 25 grams of fat, it’s a filling option that can fuel your day.
The combination of carbohydrates from the pasta and the protein from the chicken makes it a well-rounded dish, perfect for those looking for comfort without sacrificing nutrition.
Delicious BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bowl
This dish features al dente pasta enveloped in a rich cheese sauce, topped with shredded BBQ chicken and baked until bubbly. The recipe takes about 45 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your choice)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, garlic powder, and onion powder, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until thickened. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir in the BBQ sauce and mix until everything is well coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs if using.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 bowls
- Calories: 550kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
