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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 106 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender shredded chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting and flavorful meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping, this dish brings together classic mac and cheese with a delicious barbecue twist.

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, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cooked chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes to warm it through.
  3. Add BBQ sauce and spices: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to thoroughly coat the chicken with the sauce.
  4. Make the cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses while stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
  6. Incorporate BBQ chicken mixture: Fold the BBQ-coated chicken into the cheesy pasta, stirring until everything is uniformly combined and heated through.
  7. Season and serve: Taste the mac and cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
  • For extra flavor, add a handful of crispy bacon bits or some sautéed onions.
  • This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Keywords: BBQ chicken, macaroni and cheese, comfort food, easy dinner, weeknight meal, shredded chicken, cheesy pasta, barbecue sauce recipe

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