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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 122 reviews
  • Author: Julian
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously smoky, creamy, and cheesy dish, combining tender shredded chicken with rich, tangy BBQ sauce and a creamy cheese sauce. Perfect as a comforting family dinner or a high-protein meal prep option, this recipe blends the classic flavors of BBQ and mac and cheese into one mouthwatering dish.

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: Prepare the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Warm the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, just to warm it through.
  3. Add BBQ sauce and spices: To the warmed chicken, add the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken with the sauce and spices.
  4. Make the cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Gradually stir in 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 into the cheese sauce and gently stir to combine thoroughly.
  6. Fold in BBQ chicken: Incorporate the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, mixing gently until everything is evenly combined and heated through.
  7. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the mixture and add extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to speed up preparation.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions.
  • This dish is excellent for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy cheese sauce, shredded chicken, pasta recipe, family dinner, meal prep

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