Description
A one-bowl masterpiece combining creamy macaroni, tender BBQ chicken, and sharp cheddar with a tangy sticky glaze for restaurant-quality comfort food in 45 minutes.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup BBQ sauce
1 lb macaroni pasta (elbow or small shells)
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups whole milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
Instructions
Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness and season with salt and pepper
Sauté chicken in a skillet until fully cooked, ~6-8 minutes per side
Add 1/2 cup BBQ sauce to skillet and deglaze, cooking until glazed
Boil pasta al dente with 1 tsp salt, drain, and set aside
In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux, gradually add milk and Dijon mustard, then stir in remaining BBQ sauce and simmer until thick
Stir in cheese until melted and smooth
Combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and glazed chicken in a bowl
Transfer to a baking dish, top with remaining 1/2 cup BBQ sauce, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and slightly crusted
Notes
Pound chicken evenly for uniform doneness
Fresh pasta reduces cooking time by 2-3 minutes
Adjust BBQ sauce sweetness to preference by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar
For a crustier top, broil for 2-3 minutes after baking
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg