BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake 🧀🍗🔥
A smoky, cheesy twist on classic mac and cheese—loaded with BBQ chicken and baked golden.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1½ cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- ÂĽ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook pasta: Boil macaroni according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.
- Make cheese base: Stir in butter, milk, 1½ cups cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy.
- Add chicken & BBQ: Stir in shredded chicken and BBQ sauce until well combined.
- Assemble: Transfer mixture to greased baking dish. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar on top.
- Bake: Bake 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm.
Tips
- Extra smoky: Use smoked cheddar or add a dash of smoked paprika.
- Cheese swap: Try mozzarella or Pepper Jack for a gooey twist.
- Make-ahead: Assemble casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Caption & Engagement
Caption: “BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake—smoky, cheesy, and golden comfort in every bite! 🧀🍗🔥”
- Comment prompt: “Would you make it with classic cheddar or smoky cheese?”
- Rotating closers: “Save for your next comfort meal.” • “Tag a friend who loves BBQ chicken.” • “Golden bake, cheesy layers.”