BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese | Flirt Recipes

Ingredients

• For the Pasta:
• 1 pound (16 oz) elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
• For the Chicken:
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup BBQ sauce, divided (1/2 cup for mixing, 1/4 cup for topping)
• For the Cheese Sauce:
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
• 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
• For Topping:
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Extra BBQ sauce for drizzling
• Equipment:
• 9x13 inch baking dish
• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet for chicken
• Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
• Colander
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater
• Meat thermometer