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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 24 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. A satisfying comfort food twist that’s quick to prepare, perfect for a family dinner with a delicious balance of flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 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, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cooked chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
  3. Mix in BBQ Sauce and Spices: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper with the chicken. Mix well until all pieces are evenly coated in the sauce.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat all the noodles evenly.
  6. Add BBQ Chicken: Gently fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, combining everything thoroughly without breaking up the chicken.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste the mac and cheese and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use low-fat milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Shredded rotisserie chicken works well as a quick alternative.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat.
  • For gluten-free, substitute pasta with a gluten-free variety.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken mac and cheese, BBQ mac and cheese, cheesy BBQ chicken pasta, comfort food, quick family dinner

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