Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese

"Get Ready to Satisfy Your Cravings with this Mouthwatering Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese Recipe!"

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our irresistible baked BBQ chicken and bacon Mac and cheese recipe! This mouthwatering dish combines tender, juicy chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce with creamy, cheesy mac and cheese and crispy bacon bits. Perfect for satisfying your cravings on a cozy night in or impressing your guests at your next gathering with a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can easily create a show-stopping meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. So, let's get started and see how this heavenly combination comes together!

 

Nutrition’s

Here's a breakdown of the nutrition information for baked BBQ chicken and bacon mac and cheese, per serving size (based on a recipe serving 6):

Nutrition
Calories	644
Fat	36g
Saturated Fat	16g
Cholesterol	147mg
Sodium	1440mg
Carbohydrates	36g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	10g
Protein	43g

 

Please note that the above nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and measurements used in your recipe.

 

Here are the ingredients you'll need and step-by-step instructions to make delicious Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese:

 Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

 

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Step 01: Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 02: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place them on a baking dish and coat them with BBQ sauce.

Step 03: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked. Once done, remove them from the oven and set them aside to cool.

Step 04: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 05: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until it forms a paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes.

Step 06: Gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

Step 07: Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese to the saucepan and whisk until fully melted and combined.

Step 08: Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until fully coated.

Step 09: Cut the baked BBQ chicken into bite-sized pieces and add them to the mac and cheese mixture. Mix well.

Step 10: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Top with crumbled bacon.

Step 11: Bake the mac and cheese in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 12: Once done, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese!

 

Serving Tips

Here are some serving ideas for delicious Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese:

1. Serve it as a main course with a side of vegetables, such as roasted broccoli or grilled asparagus
   
   
2. Top it with sliced green onions or fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added flavor and color.
   
   
3. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy sauce.
   
   
4. Add some diced tomatoes or jalapenos for a fresh and spicy twist.
   
   
5. Serve it as a side dish at your next barbecue or potluck.
   
   
6. Top it with some extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs and broil it for a few minutes for a crispy and golden crust.
   
   
7. Serve it in individual ramekins for a fun and fancy presentation.
   
   
8. Pair it with a cold beer or a glass of chilled white wine for a perfect balance of flavors.
   
   

Get creative with your serving ideas and enjoy your delicious Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese!

 

Tips and Tricks

Here are some tips and tricks for making delicious Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese:

1. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a healthier and quicker option. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken for added flavor.
   
   
2. For extra smoky flavor, use smoked cheddar cheese or add a few drops of liquid smoke to the cheese sauce.
   
   
3. Cook the elbow macaroni al dente, so it doesn't get too soft and mushy when baked with the cheese sauce.
   
   
4. Make the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until ready to use. This will save time and make the recipe come together quicker.
   
   
5. Add some heat to the recipe by using spicy BBQ sauce or adding some red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
   
   
6. If you don't have mozzarella cheese, you can substitute it with provolone or Gouda cheese.
   
   
7. For a creamier texture, use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk in the cheese sauce.
   
   
8. Experiment with different types of pasta, such as penne or rigatoni, for added texture and flavor.
   
   
9. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and flour in the cheese sauce.
   
   
10. Make sure to let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the cheese sauce to thicken and set up properly.

Follow these tips and tricks to make the perfect Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese every time!

 

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese recipes:

1.       What is Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese?

A: Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese is a delicious comfort food recipe that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy mac and cheese baked to perfection with a tangy BBQ sauce.

 

2.       How do I make Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese?

A: To make Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese, you will need chicken breasts, bacon, elbow macaroni, cheese, BBQ sauce, flour, butter, milk, salt, and pepper. Follow the step-by-step instructions on our blog for a delicious and easy-to-follow recipe.

 

3.       Can I make Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for later. Simply reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

 

4.       Can I use a different type of cheese in Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as smoked cheddar, provolone, or Gouda, to add more depth of flavor to your mac and cheese.

 

5.       Can I make Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese in a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can make Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese in a slow cooker. Follow our recipe instructions for the slow cooker version.

 

6.       How many calories are in Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese?

A: The calorie count for Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese varies depending on the ingredients used. Our recipe contains approximately 600 calories per serving.

 

7.       Is Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

A: No, our recipe contains regular pasta, which contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free pasta to make it gluten-free.

 

8.       Can I make Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese without bacon?

A: Yes, you can omit the bacon from the recipe if you prefer. You can also use turkey bacon or vegetarian bacon as a substitute.

 

9.       How can I reheat Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese?

A: You can reheat Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.

 

10.   Can I make Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese without BBQ sauce?

A: Yes, you can make Baked Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese without BBQ sauce, but it will not have the same tangy flavor. You can substitute with tomato sauce or hot sauce for added flavor.

 

Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese are a delicious and easy-to-make comfort food that combines the tangy flavors of BBQ sauce with the creamy goodness of Mac and cheese. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a dish that will satisfy your cravings and impress your guests. Whether you're cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious and satisfying Baked BBQ Chicken and Bacon Mac and Cheese can be?