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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 136 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender shredded chicken smothered in smoky BBQ sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting and flavorful meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, offering a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese with the savory kick of barbecue.

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: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking.
  2. Warm the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cooked chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through to enhance flavor.
  3. Add BBQ Seasoning: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the chicken. Mix thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated with the flavorful sauce.
  4. Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat but do not boil. Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat all noodles evenly with the creamy cheese mixture.
  6. Mix in BBQ Chicken: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, blending gently but thoroughly until all components are well combined and heated through.
  7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and add additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired, to add a bright, fresh touch.

Notes

  • You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal option.
  • For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions alongside the chicken.
  • This dish is excellent for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, barbecue chicken, quick dinner, meal prep, easy recipe

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