Barbecue Chicken Mac and Cheese
This isn't your average mac and cheese! Our Smoked Chicken Mac and Cheese with Jalapeño & Barbecue takes comfort food to a whole new level. Featuring tender rotini pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made with Carr Valley 1 Year Aged Cheddar and Carr Valley Smoked Gouda, every bite is a celebration of cheesy goodness.
But we don't stop there. Shredded, cooked chicken breast brings hearty satisfaction, while the subtle kick of jalapeño and a hint of cayenne pepper add a welcome warmth. A touch of barbecue sauce is stirred in, infusing the dish with a smoky, tangy depth that sets it apart. For an extra layer of flavor, a few drops of liquid smoke are an optional addition.
Garnish with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, and an extra drizzle of barbecue sauce for a vibrant finish. This mac and cheese is a flavor-packed, soul-warming meal perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients:
- 1 package (16 ounces) uncooked rotini pasta
- 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 medium jalapeno pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 3/4 cups whole milk
- 3 drops liquid smoke, optional
- 8 ounces Carr Valley 1 Year Aged Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
- 6 ounces Carr Valley Smoked Gouda cheese, shredded (1 1/2 cups)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each), cooked and shredded
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt to taste
- Minced fresh cilantro, chopped green onions and barbecue sauce
Instructions:
| 1. Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. |
| 2. Meanwhile, sauté onion and jalapeno pepper in butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until tender. Reduce heat to medium-low. Stir in flour until combined. Gradually stir in milk and liquid smoke if desired. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes or until thickened. |
| 3. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in cheddar and gouda until melted. Stir in the pasta, chicken, barbecue sauce and cayenne pepper; heat through. |
| 4. Remove from the heat. Season with salt to taste. Garnish servings with cilantro, green onions and barbecue sauce. |
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