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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.6 from 55 reviews

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy, cheesy pasta with smoky BBQ-flavored chicken for a comforting main-course that’s both easy to make and packed with bold flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish brings together the best of classic mac and cheese with a twist of tangy barbecue.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice

Chicken

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

BBQ Sauce Mixture

  • 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

Cheese Sauce

  • 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni or pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, stirring occasionally, and cook for 2-3 minutes to thoroughly warm through.
  3. Add BBQ Flavors: Pour in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated in the sauce. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually add both the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continually, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the noodles are thoroughly coated.
  6. Add Chicken Mixture: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy macaroni. Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
  7. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
  • Try smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a different cheese flavor profile.
  • Add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat, if you prefer a spicy kick.
  • This dish can be assembled ahead and reheated in the oven for busy nights.

Nutrition

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

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