Hey there, food enthusiasts and kitchen adventurers! Are you ready to turn your regular Mac and Cheese into an unforgettable culinary masterpiece? Get ready to impress your friends and family with a dish that’s not only scrumptious but also incredibly easy to whip up. Say hello to our Easy Honey BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese – a delightful twist for those busy days when you need to conjure up something magical with what’s on hand.
Ingredients:
- 2 boxes of Velveeta shells and cheese
- Cooked bacon (because everything’s better with bacon!)
- 2 tablespoons of All-Purpose flour
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter
- Your favorite seasoning blend
- 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 10 to 12 chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup of your preferred BBQ sauce (We swear by Sweet Baby Ray’s!)
- 3 to 4 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- Warm water to thin the sauce mixture
The Creation Process:
- Mac and Cheese Magic: Start by cooking the Velveeta shells and cheese according to the package instructions. While that’s happening, let’s create a luscious cheese sauce. Melt 2 to 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of All-Purpose flour and stir until it’s smooth and bubbling. Slowly add in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Seasonal Symphony: As the sauce thickens, sprinkle in your favorite seasoning blend. We love using our special mix – about a tablespoon or to taste. Remember, we’re aiming for a creamy consistency, so don’t hesitate to add more milk if needed. Now, add in the shredded mild cheddar cheese and stir until it’s an irresistible velvety delight.
- Cheesy Fusion: Mix the creamy cheese sauce with the cooked Velveeta shells and cheese. We recommend adding a touch more seasoning to the mix for that extra oomph. Now, transfer this divine blend into a baking dish that’s already kissed with 2 to 3 tablespoons of melted butter on the bottom.
- Crispy Chicken Transformation: Time to turn those pre-cooked breaded chicken tenders into something spectacular. Pop them into a preheated 425-degree oven and let them cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’re aiming for that golden crispiness.
- BBQ Glaze Elegance: Let’s elevate this dish with an exquisite BBQ glaze. In a bowl, combine 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce, a teaspoon of red pepper flakes, 3 to 4 tablespoons of brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of honey, and a touch more seasoning to taste. To achieve the perfect glaze consistency, gently incorporate warm water until it’s just right. A quick zap in the microwave for 30 seconds can help with the thinning process.
- Chicken Marvel: Once the chicken tenders are done, chop them into bite-size pieces. Toss them in a bowl with some of that delectable BBQ glaze – they deserve to be coated in this sweet and tangy goodness. Set them aside while we put the final touches on our masterpiece.
- Bacon Bliss: Don’t forget that cooked bacon! Crumble it up and sprinkle it over the Mac and Cheese in the baking dish. Add a cup of shredded cheese on top for that ultimate gooey factor.
- Bake to Perfection: Slide your creation into the oven and let the cheese melt into a glorious golden blanket. The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around in anticipation.
- BBQ Chicken Crown: Take your plated Mac and Cheese to the next level by crowning it with the sumptuous BBQ-glazed chicken tenders. For that finishing touch, sprinkle some dried parsley or green onion tops to add a dash of freshness.
A Sweet Finale – Fresh Apple Cobbler:
And because no meal is complete without a sweet treat, let’s talk about a mouthwatering Fresh Apple Cobbler that will have you singing praises:
- Apple Enchantment: Peel and slice enough green apples to fill a cast iron skillet. Melt 1/2 to 1 stick of butter in the skillet before adding the apples.
- Spice Alchemy: Cover the apples with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, a sprinkle of nutmeg and cinnamon, and a dash of salt. Cook the apples and this delightful mixture on the stovetop until the apples soften into a tantalizing blend.
- Batter Brilliance: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of flour, and 3 teaspoons of baking powder until the batter is gloriously smooth.
- Cobbler Conjuring: Once the apples are almost tender, remove them from the heat. Pour the milk, sugar, and flour mixture over the apples. If you’re aiming for an extra moist cobbler, consider adding about 1/4 cup of apple juice to the simmering apples.
- Oven Enchantment: Bake the cobbler at 350 degrees for around 45 minutes, or until the top is beautifully browned and the whole creation is bubbling with excitement.
Embrace the Culinary Adventure:
There you have it – a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing and your loved ones asking for seconds! So, go ahead and channel your inner chef, even on the busiest of days. With a touch of creativity and a dash of love, you can transform everyday ingredients into extraordinary delights.
Thank you for stopping by our With the Bickhams blog! We hope you give this recipe a whirl and share it with someone who appreciates a good food adventure. Don’t forget to check out our Small Town Wreath Shop social media pages for more inspiration, and hey, catch our With the Bickhams YouTube tutorial below to witness the magic in action. Remember to subscribe, like, and share – your support keeps the culinary fun going!
Happy cooking and bon appétit! Craig and Melissa Bickham