BBQ Chicken Breast W/ Creamy Mac N’Cheese
Dinner for 4
Ingredients:
4 chicken breast
Bag of macaroni 16oz
1 block Sharp cheddar
1/2 block medium cheddar
1 block Mozzarella
1/4 cup of Quesadilla cheese
Whole milk
Butter
BBQ sauce of your choice
Brown sugar
Onion, garlic, chilli, paprika powder, black pepper and Italian seasoning
How to season chicken: In a bowl add all powders- don’t add too much black pepper or Italian seasoning. And be a little heavy handed for the garlic and paprika! Jus trust.
How to cook: In a deep pan add some water and then salt. In another pan add oil heat both on high/medium.
Add macaroni to boiling water and stir. Add seasoned chicken to oiled pan. Sear chicken until golden should be 3-4 minutes adding on another 12 ish minutes to cook. Now the macaroni, leave a half cup on the side and drain the rest. In another pan add butter let it get golden add your grated cheeses. Stir and don’t stop! Add about a 1/4 cup of milk and stir add the macaroni water and keep stirring. After everything is combined season with onion powder, paprika, salt, chilli powder, a dash of black pepper. And a good sized spoonful of brown sugar add your macaroni and fold until all is combined. Taste it and add on any seasonings that you think it may need.
Plated was macaroni with bbq chicken you can add the bbq after or you can spread it on the breast, cook it a bit and then reapply it after it’s off the pan. Hope you enjoy 🫶🏼
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Cooking BBQ chicken breast paired with creamy mac and cheese is one of my favorite go-to comfort meals that never disappoints. What I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is; you can adjust the seasonings and cheese blends to suit your taste. The key to a juicy chicken breast lies in the seasoning—using enough garlic and paprika really enhances the smoky flavor, while keeping black pepper and Italian seasoning moderate prevents overpowering the dish. For the mac and cheese, stirring continuously when adding the cheese to melted butter is crucial to avoid clumps and achieve a smooth sauce. Incorporating some reserved pasta water helps create a creamier texture, complementing the sharpness of the cheddar and the meltiness of mozzarella perfectly. I also found that a spoonful of brown sugar in the cheese sauce balances out the saltiness and adds a subtle depth. When cooking the chicken, searing it for 3-4 minutes before lowering the heat and cooking for another 12 minutes ensures a golden crust while keeping the meat tender and moist inside. Applying BBQ sauce in two stages—once while cooking and again after finishing—boosts the flavor and caramelization without burning the sauce. This meal is especially great for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Pairing this BBQ chicken with creamy homemade mac and cheese creates a fulfilling dish that’s sure to earn "husband-approved" status, as one of the hashtags suggests! Give this recipe a try and feel free to personalize it with your favorite BBQ sauce or spices to make it your own. It’s a perfect way to enjoy classic flavors with a homemade touch that’s hearty and satisfying.