🌵🍲 Chili Champions & Backyard Cooks 🍲🌵🌞 Chuckwagon Recipe of the Day – Monday, August 3, 2026 🌞🏆🔥 Blue Ribbon Cowboy Loaded BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese 🔥🏆

🏆🔥 Blue Ribbon Cowboy Loaded BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese 🔥🏆

Good morning, folks! 🤠

Happy Monday and welcome to a brand-new week! Today's chuckwagon recipe combines two all-time favorites—smoky BBQ chicken and creamy homemade mac & cheese! This rich, cheesy casserole is topped with crispy bacon and a buttery cracker topping, making it the perfect comfort food for family supper.

Whether you're feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!

🍗🧀 Ingredients

For the Mac & Cheese

• 16 oz elbow macaroni

• 3 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 3 cups whole milk

• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

• 1 cup smoked Gouda cheese, shredded

• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the BBQ Chicken

• 3 cups cooked shredded chicken

• ¾ cup smoky BBQ sauce

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Crunchy Topping

• 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed

• 3 tablespoons melted butter

🔥 Chuckwagon Cooking Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 375°F.

2️⃣ Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

3️⃣ In a large saucepan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook for 1 minute.

4️⃣ Slowly whisk in the milk and cook until slightly thickened.

5️⃣ Add the cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.

6️⃣ Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.

7️⃣ In a separate bowl, mix the shredded chicken with the BBQ sauce.

8️⃣ Pour the macaroni into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish or cast iron skillet.

9️⃣ Spoon the BBQ chicken evenly over the macaroni.

🔟 Top with cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

1️⃣1️⃣ Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

1️⃣2️⃣ Bake for 20–25 minutes, until golden brown and bubbling.

🥄 Chuckwagon Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

• 🥗 Creamy coleslaw

• 🌽 Grilled corn on the cob

• 🫘 Cowboy baked beans

• 🍉 Fresh watermelon slices

• 🍑 Peach cobbler for dessert

• 🍋 Sweet tea or homemade lemonade

⭐ Chuckwagon Tip

Using smoked chicken from your grill or smoker gives this casserole incredible flavor. If you're short on time, a rotisserie chicken works wonderfully too!

💜 Chuckwagon Encouragement

Every new week is a fresh beginning and another opportunity to gather with the people we love. The meals we prepare become more than recipes—they become traditions, conversations, and memories that last for generations.

May your kitchen be filled with laughter, your table with loved ones, and your heart with gratitude for God's many blessings.

📖 Scripture for Today

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."

— Colossians 3:23 (KJV)

🌞 Monday Question of the Day

🧀 What's your favorite comfort food?

🍗 BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese🥩 Pot Roast🍝 Homemade Lasagna🌮 Tacos🥔 Loaded Baked Potato🍲 Chili

👇 Share your favorite comfort food in the comments! We'd love to hear what's cooking in your kitchen. Have a blessed Monday, happy cooking, and may your week be filled with faith, family, and fantastic food! 🤠🍲❤️🌵🌞