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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 50 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic favorite, combining tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, all mixed with perfectly cooked macaroni. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that satisfies both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

  • 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

  1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
  2. Heat the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Then add the shredded cooked chicken and warm it through for 2-3 minutes.
  3. Prepare the BBQ Chicken Mixture: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the chicken. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated with the sauce and spices.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine evenly.
  6. Fold in BBQ Chicken: Gently fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, stirring to distribute the chicken and sauce uniformly throughout.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste the mac and cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if you like.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
  • This dish can be made with any type of pasta, but elbow macaroni works best for classic mac and cheese texture.
  • Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for some heat.
  • For a thicker sauce, reduce the milk slightly or add a teaspoon of flour while heating the cheese sauce.
  • Leftovers can be reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

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

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