Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Easy Comfort Food (Print Version)
Slow cooker BBQ chicken mac and cheese combines tender chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and creamy pasta for a simple, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 260 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Slow-Cooked BBQ Chicken Core
01 -
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce
03 -
1/2 cup chicken broth
04 -
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
05 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
06 -
1/2 tsp garlic powder
07 -
1/2 tsp onion powder
08 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Velvety Macaroni Embrace
09 -
1 lb elbow macaroni
10 -
2 cups whole milk
11 -
1/4 cup unsalted butter
12 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
13 -
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
14 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
15 -
1 tsp Dijon mustard
16 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Fresh Finish & Zesty Accents
17 -
1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Place 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a 6-quart crockpot. Add 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, and season with salt and black pepper. Cook on low for 4 hours. This is the first step for your Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Comfort Food.
02 -
About 30 minutes before the chicken is done, cook 1 lb elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Do not overcook, as it will absorb more sauce later.
03 -
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until a paste forms. Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk until smooth and thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
04 -
Reduce heat to low. Stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 4 oz softened cream cheese, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. This velvety sauce is key to the "Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Comfort Food".
05 -
Add the drained 1 lb elbow macaroni to the finished cheese sauce. Stir gently until the macaroni is fully coated in the rich, creamy sauce. Keep warm while you prepare the chicken.
06 -
Once cooked, remove the 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts from the crockpot and shred using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot with the remaining BBQ sauce mixture and stir to coat. This shredded chicken will be the star of your Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Comfort Food.
07 -
Combine the shredded BBQ chicken mixture with the prepared macaroni and cheese in a large serving bowl or back into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients for your Crockpot BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese - Easy Comfort Food. Garnish with 1/4 cup sliced green onions before serving.
# Notes:
01 -
For an extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke to the chicken mixture in the crockpot.
02 -
Leftovers store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
03 -
Feel free to customize your cheese sauce! Try adding Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
04 -
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or some warm cornbread for a complete meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
Large pot
03 -
Whisk
04 -
Measuring cups
05 -
Measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 827 kcal
Total Fat: 26 g
Total Carbohydrate: 59 g
Protein: 52 g