Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

As I stand in my kitchen, the aroma of smoky BBQ and creamy cheese filling the air, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with cooking in the first place. This Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of comfort food at its finest, with a twist that elevates it from familiar to extraordinary.

The origins of this recipe lie in the heart of American cuisine, where BBQ and mac and cheese have long reigned supreme. By combining these two beloved dishes, we’re not just making dinner; we’re creating a culinary experience that bridges the gap between backyard cookouts and cozy family meals.

Ingredients

For this mouthwatering Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless chicken breast, cubed
• 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (120ml) BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp (30ml) honey
• 1 tsp (5g) cayenne pepper
• 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
• 2 tbsp (30g) butter
• 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480ml) milk
• 2 cups (200g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (25g) crispy fried onions
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions

1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander, but don’t rinse it. The starch on the pasta will help the sauce adhere better. Set it aside while we prepare the other components.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, honey, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika. This sweet and spicy mixture is the flavor backbone of our dish. The combination of tangy BBQ sauce, sweet honey, and spicy cayenne creates a complex flavor profile that will make your taste buds dance. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken breast and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The high heat will create a nice sear on the chicken, adding texture and flavor.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the BBQ mixture over it. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently. As the sauce simmers, it will thicken and coat the chicken pieces, infusing them with that sweet and spicy flavor we’ve created.
5. While the chicken is simmering, it’s time to make our cheese sauce. In a separate pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken our sauce. The key here is to cook the flour just long enough to remove the raw taste, but not so long that it begins to brown.
6. Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Patience is key here – rushing this step could result in a lumpy or thin sauce.
7. Once the sauce has thickened, it’s time for the star of the show – the cheese! Remove the pot from the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. The residual heat from the sauce should be enough to melt the cheese, but if needed, you can return it to low heat briefly.
8. Now comes the exciting part – bringing it all together! Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in cheesy goodness.
9. Finally, fold in the BBQ chicken, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mac and cheese. The combination of the creamy cheese sauce and the sweet and spicy BBQ chicken creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible.
10. To serve, transfer the mac and cheese to a large serving dish or individual bowls. Top with a generous sprinkle of crispy fried onions for a delightful crunch, and garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Nutrition Information

This recipe yields 6 servings. Per serving:

• Calories: 580
• Total Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 750mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 50g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 35g

Please note that these are approximate values and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Tips for the Perfect Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

To ensure your Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a knockout success every time, consider these expert tips:

1. Cheese Selection: While cheddar is a classic choice, don’t be afraid to experiment with cheese blends. A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and smoked Gouda can add depth and complexity to your sauce.
2. Pasta Shape: Elbow macaroni is traditional, but shells or cavatappi can be fun alternatives that hold the sauce well.
3. BBQ Sauce: The type of BBQ sauce you use can significantly impact the final flavor. Try different varieties – smoky, sweet, or tangy – to find your perfect match.
4. Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne pepper to your heat preference. For a milder version, reduce the amount or substitute with paprika for flavor without the heat.
5. Crispy Topping: For an extra indulgent touch, mix the crispy fried onions with breadcrumbs and a bit of melted butter, then broil the topped mac and cheese for a few minutes until golden brown.
6. Chicken Preparation: For a time-saving hack, you could use rotisserie chicken. Simply shred it and toss with the BBQ sauce mixture.
7. Vegetable Addition: To sneak in some veggies, consider adding roasted bell peppers or steamed broccoli florets to the dish.
8. Baked Version: For a baked variation, transfer the mixed mac and cheese to a baking dish, top with extra cheese and the crispy onions, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.

This Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal – it’s a culinary adventure that brings together the best of comfort food with a exciting twist. The creamy, cheesy pasta provides a perfect canvas for the bold flavors of the BBQ chicken, while the crispy onion topping adds a delightful textural contrast.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a potluck, satisfy your family’s craving for something special on a weeknight, or simply indulge in a bowl of pure comfort, this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s a testament to the magic that can happen when we’re not afraid to play with our food and combine familiar flavors in new and exciting ways.

So, preheat that stove, grab your whisk, and get ready to create a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. This Sweet and Spicy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t just dinner – it’s a flavor-packed journey that will leave you and your loved ones feeling satisfied, comforted, and utterly delighted. Enjoy!