Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 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 & 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 macaroni or your choice of pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
- Warm the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked shredded chicken and stir for 2-3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through evenly.
- Season the Chicken: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until the chicken is evenly coated and heated through, then set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, pour in the milk. Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly to melt the cheese and create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure all the pasta is coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Add BBQ Chicken Mixture: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, mixing well so that the flavors and textures are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Taste and Serve: Taste the mac and cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the dish hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to swap elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or shells.
- For a smokier flavor, consider adding a few drops of liquid smoke to the BBQ sauce mixture.
- Use low-fat milk to reduce calories while keeping the sauce creamy.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
