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Deliciously Creamy Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Extravaganza

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, a dish that tantalizes the senses with its savory, creamy goodness

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Deliciously Creamy Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Extravaganza
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Leftover Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, as microwaving can make the pasta rubbery.
Serving Temperature:
Serve your Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese warm for the best flavor experience. If it cools, the texture may become less appealing, so keep it in a warm oven until ready to enjoy.
Garnishing:
Add fresh herbs as a garnish just before serving. It not only enhances the dish's appearance but also adds a fresh burst of flavor that complements the richness of the mac and cheese.
Cooling Period:
Allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets the cheese sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy without it falling apart.
Baking:
Baking transforms the dish, allowing the flavors to meld together. Make sure to bake until the top is golden and bubbly, as this indicates that the breadcrumbs are perfectly toasted and the cheese is melted.
Layering:
When combining the pasta, cheese sauce, and chicken, mix gently to avoid breaking the pasta. The goal is to have every piece of macaroni coated in cheesy goodness, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.
Bread Crumb Toasting:
For a crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and toast them in a skillet for a few minutes until golden. This extra step enhances the flavor and adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy dish.
Cheese Melting:
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat before stirring in your shredded cheese. This prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a silky-smooth sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Gradual Mixing:
When adding the milk, do so gradually while whisking vigorously. This helps prevent lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth texture in your sauce. Patience is key; allow it to thicken before moving on.
Melt and Whisk:
Start by melting the butter on medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute to create a roux. This step is vital for achieving a thick and creamy cheese sauce.
Deliciously Creamy Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Extravaganza

The Complete Guide to Mastering Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Leftover Storage:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture, as microwaving can make the pasta rubbery.
Serving Temperature:
Serve your Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese warm for the best flavor experience. If it cools, the texture may become less appealing, so keep it in a warm oven until ready to enjoy.
Garnishing:
Add fresh herbs as a garnish just before serving. It not only enhances the dish's appearance but also adds a fresh burst of flavor that complements the richness of the mac and cheese.
Cooling Period:
Allow the mac and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. This lets the cheese sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy without it falling apart.
Baking:
Baking transforms the dish, allowing the flavors to meld together. Make sure to bake until the top is golden and bubbly, as this indicates that the breadcrumbs are perfectly toasted and the cheese is melted.
Layering:
When combining the pasta, cheese sauce, and chicken, mix gently to avoid breaking the pasta. The goal is to have every piece of macaroni coated in cheesy goodness, ensuring consistent flavor throughout.
Bread Crumb Toasting:
For a crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and toast them in a skillet for a few minutes until golden. This extra step enhances the flavor and adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy dish.
Cheese Melting:
Once the sauce has thickened, remove it from the heat before stirring in your shredded cheese. This prevents the cheese from clumping and ensures a silky-smooth sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Gradual Mixing:
When adding the milk, do so gradually while whisking vigorously. This helps prevent lumps from forming, ensuring a smooth texture in your sauce. Patience is key; allow it to thicken before moving on.
Melt and Whisk:
Start by melting the butter on medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute to create a roux. This step is vital for achieving a thick and creamy cheese sauce.
Chef's Secrets for Perfecting Your BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Substitute the chicken with roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian version.
This dish freezes well. Just make sure to thaw in the refrigerator before baking.
Pair with a light salad to balance the richness of the mac and cheese.
Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives can add a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
Deliciously Creamy Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Extravaganza

Deliciously Creamy Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Extravaganza

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, a dish that tantalizes the senses with its savory, creamy goodness. Featuring tender shredded chicken, tangy BBQ sauce, and a blend of gooey cheeses, this dish perfectly balances sweet and smoky flavors. Each bite delivers a delightful crunch from the breadcrumbs topping contrasted with the luscious, velvety mac and cheese beneath. Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners, this hearty meal will warm your heart and please your palate. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a casual night in, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It's a dish made with love that brings everyone together around the table, allowing you to savor every cheesy, BBQ-infused bite! Experience comfort and joy in a bowl with this easy-to-make recipe that will leave you craving seconds.

Deliciously Creamy Shredded BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Extravaganza
Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
Chef
JUE
Category
Main Course
Difficulty
Easy
Cuisine
American
Yield
6 servings
Dietary
Gluten-Free
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
0% Complete

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
01
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
02
1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
For the Mac and Cheese:
03
1 pound elbow macaroni
04
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
05
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
06
3 cups whole milk
07
1 teaspoon garlic powder
08
1 teaspoon onion powder
09
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
10
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
11
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
For the Topping:
12
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
13
2 tablespoons olive oil
14
1/2 teaspoon dried parsley

Instructions

01
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9x13 baking dish by lightly greasing it.
02
Step 2: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
03
Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour, cooking for about 1 minute to create a roux.
04
Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
05
Step 5: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, then remove from heat.
06
Step 6: Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
07
Step 7: In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and shredded BBQ chicken, mixing well to coat.
08
Step 8: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
09
Step 9: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and dried parsley, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
10
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
11
Step 11: Allow to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
12
Step 12: Optional: Garnish with additional parsley for a fresh touch.