BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. Creamy cheese sauce meets tender BBQ chicken and smoky spices, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s simple yet satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 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)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
3. Step 3: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
4. Step 4: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Then fold in the BBQ chicken mixture, stirring until everything is well mixed.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce.
• Use smoked cheddar for a deeper smoky flavor that complements the BBQ sauce.
• Swap chicken breast for rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor.
• Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Try different BBQ sauce varieties—sweet, spicy, or tangy—to customize the taste.

Storage

Store leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer—such as shells, rotini, or penne—will work well in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the dish up to step 6, then refrigerate. Reheat thoroughly before serving, adding a little milk to loosen the sauce if needed.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 133 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese, featuring tender shredded chicken coated in smoky BBQ sauce, combined with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Easy to prepare and perfect for a hearty weeknight meal.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 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: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
2. Warm the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
3. Add BBQ Seasoning: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly in the BBQ sauce.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, 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 well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Incorporate BBQ Chicken: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the pasta and cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to combine all ingredients uniformly.
7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve the dish hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

• Use low-fat milk to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Cook pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with sauce and chicken.
• Shredded rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
• Smoked paprika enhances the smoky flavor, but can be adjusted to taste or replaced with regular paprika.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, mac and cheese recipe, BBQ chicken pasta, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner