Description
A delicious and comforting BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combining tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, served over perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick family dinner with a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 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)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
- Warm the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked and shredded chicken and stir for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Season the Chicken: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat and heat the chicken mixture. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, pour in the milk. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and gently stir to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy cheese sauce.
- Add BBQ Chicken Mixture: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, mixing well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Taste and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if preferred.
Notes
- Use low-fat milk for a lighter cheese sauce option.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the cheese sauce.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure BBQ sauce is gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
