Mac and Cheese BBQ Chicken (Print Version)

Crispy base topped with macaroni, BBQ chicken, cheeses, and onion creates a comforting fusion main dish.

# Components:

→ Pizza Dough

01 - 1 pound store-bought or homemade pizza dough

→ Mac and Cheese

02 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
03 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
04 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
05 - 1 cup whole milk
06 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ BBQ Chicken

08 - 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded
09 - 1/3 cup BBQ sauce, plus extra for drizzling

→ Toppings

10 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
11 - 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
12 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 475°F and place pizza stone inside if using.
02 - Bring medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni until just al dente, 6 to 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
03 - In saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly until mixture thickens and turns smooth, about 2 to 3 minutes.
04 - Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper. Add cooked macaroni, mixing thoroughly. Set aside.
05 - In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
06 - On lightly floured surface, stretch or roll pizza dough into 12-inch round. Transfer to parchment-lined baking sheet or hot pizza stone.
07 - Spread prepared mac and cheese evenly over pizza dough, leaving 1/2-inch border around edge.
08 - Distribute BBQ chicken over mac and cheese. Sprinkle with mozzarella and top with red onion slices.
09 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until crust is golden and cheese is bubbling and starting to brown.
10 - Remove from oven. Drizzle with extra BBQ sauce and sprinkle with cilantro if desired. Slice and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Perfect use for leftover or rotisserie chicken
  • Brings together two comfort food favorites in one bite
  • Easy to personalize with your favorite cheeses or spicy toppings
  • Cooks quickly for a weeknight splurge or weekend treat
02 -
  • Super kid friendly crowd pleaser for game day or parties
  • Loaded with protein and calcium for a filling meal
  • Works wonderfully as a make ahead dinner just reheat slices as needed
03 -
  • Always preheat your baking surface so your crust turns out perfectly crisp
  • Leftover mac and cheese works great just make sure it is creamy and not too dry
  • Drizzle just a bit of extra BBQ sauce after baking to keep the crust from getting soggy
  • Let the pizza cool for five minutes before slicing so the cheesy toppings set just enough for perfect wedges

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