Ingredients

The following ingredients have 4 Servings
  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless skinless)
  • 10 slices of raw bacon (hickory smoked flavor, diced)
  • Salt
  • Fresh cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 lb elbow macaroni
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • 2 Tbsp flour
  • 8 oz smoked cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar if can't find smoked, grated)
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • Salt
  • 1/4 tsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • BBQ sauce for drizzle (about 1/4 cup)

Instruction

  • In a medium cooking pan, over medium heat, cook chicken breasts seasoned with some salt and pepper and diced bacon.
  • While chicken is cooking, cook pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside in a mixing bowl.
  • Dice cooked chicken and add it to the pasta. Add cooked bacon bits as well.
  • Preheat oven to 350 and lightly grease a baking dish. (It can be a 2-quart baking dish or a 10-inch cast iron skillet.)
  • In a small sauce pot, melt butter. Sprinkle flour and mix until combined. Immediately but slowly, pour in milk, while whisking carefully.
  • Once the milk mixture is smooth and heated through, add grated cheese.
  • Add chipotle chili powder, paprika, some salt and pepper. Whisk slowly until the cheese mixture is smooth and cheese is all melted. (I recommend using a silicone covered whisk so that your cooking pot does not get scratched.)
  • Pour cheese mixture into the mixing bowl with pasta and meat. Mix very well and add a little more salt to taste.
  • Transfer into an oven-safe dish or a cast iron skillet. Spread it evenly and bake for 10-13 minutes.
  • Drizzle mac and cheese with bbq sauce and enjoy!