BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful twist on two classic comfort foods. Creamy, cheesy pasta meets tangy, smoky BBQ chicken for a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
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
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 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.
- Step 3: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- 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 is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and continue stirring until everything is well mixed.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese for a richer, smokier flavor.
- Swap shredded chicken for pulled pork to switch up the BBQ protein.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes for a crispy finish.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and can save you time. Just shred the meat before mixing it with the BBQ sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your BBQ sauce is gluten-free to enjoy this dish without gluten concerns.
PrintBBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
A comforting and flavorful BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese that combines tender shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, all mixed with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. This hearty dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying family meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
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)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Heat Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked shredded chicken and warm for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
- Add BBQ Sauce and Spices: Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the chicken. Mix well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly with the sauce and spices.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk. Gradually stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, continuing to stir until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine and fully coat the pasta with the cheesy mixture.
- Mix in BBQ Chicken: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta until everything is thoroughly mixed and heated through.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use low-fat milk to keep the dish lighter but still creamy.
- You can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer.
- For a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika as indicated, or substitute with regular paprika with a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Leftovers can be reheated in a skillet or microwave.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream before serving.
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, BBQ chicken recipe, easy dinner, creamy mac and cheese
