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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 6 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic mac and cheese. Tender shredded chicken is coated in a smoky BBQ sauce and combined with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, then mixed with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 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

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked, shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through. Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauces: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine thoroughly. Then fold in the BBQ chicken mixture, stirring gently until everything is evenly mixed.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.
  • You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
  • For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
  • Use low-fat or whole milk based on your preference for creaminess and calorie content.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken mac and cheese, BBQ mac and cheese, chicken macaroni and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner recipe

Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/