Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender shredded chicken tossed in a smoky BBQ sauce with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, all mixed with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. It’s a comforting and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese, ideal for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk (low-fat preferred)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked shredded chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just to warm it through.
- Add BBQ seasoning: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Mix well to ensure the chicken pieces are fully coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy cheese mix.
- Incorporate chicken mixture: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, stirring until all components are thoroughly combined and heated through.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the mac and cheese and add extra salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- For extra flavor, try adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions to the dish.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese with BBQ Chicken, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Cheesy Pasta