BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines two classic comfort foods into one delicious dish. Creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese is loaded with tender, BBQ-flavored chicken for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Author: nova
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop, Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 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
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 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)
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes. Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, heat milk over medium heat. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, then fold in the BBQ chicken mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: 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, consider adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions to enhance the dish.
- This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is ideal for meal prep; store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese Recipe, BBQ Chicken Recipe