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Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese

Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese: Comfort Food Bliss at Home

This Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac Cheese combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy mac and cheese for a delightful meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni or cavatappi or fusilli
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups grilled chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken
For the BBQ Sauce
  • 1 cup favorite BBQ sauce homemade is great for a personal touch
For the Bacon
  • 4 slices bacon turkey bacon is a leaner option
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese mixing cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack is encouraged
  • 1 cup cream or milk plant-based milk can be used for a dairy-free option
For Seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Non-stick skillet
  • medium saucepan
  • Baking dish

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and add a splash of olive oil.
  2. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, add oil and cook grilled or shredded chicken for 6-8 minutes until heated through. Set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and crumble.
  4. In a saucepan, heat milk and cheeses over medium, stirring until melted and smooth, about 4-5 minutes, then mix in BBQ sauce, salt, and pepper.
  5. Fold the shredded chicken and cheese sauce into the pot with the macaroni until well coated.
  6. Optional: Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

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