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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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