BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on a classic comfort dish. Combining smoky barbecue flavors with creamy, cheesy pasta makes for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights 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 well 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 until warmed through.
- Step 3: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly.
- Step 4: In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, continuing to stir until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 5: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Then fold in the BBQ chicken mixture, mixing well until evenly blended.
- Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Step 7: Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and extra flavor.
- Try adding diced jalapeños or smoked sausage for a spicy kick.
- Substitute part of the cheddar with sharp gouda for a smoky depth.
- For creamier mac and cheese, stir in a splash of heavy cream with the milk.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cooked chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before shredding and adding to the skillet.
What kind of BBQ sauce works best?
Choose your favorite BBQ sauce — sweet, smoky, or spicy all work well. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
PrintBBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious, creamy twist on a classic comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with a rich cheese sauce and tender elbow macaroni. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that satisfies all ages.
- 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 & 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
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)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Warm the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cooked chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Prepare BBQ Chicken Mixture: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the chicken. Mix thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir well to coat every piece of macaroni with the creamy cheese.
- Mix in BBQ Chicken: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, stirring gently but thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season and Serve: Taste the mac and cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to use your preferred pasta shapes if elbow macaroni is unavailable.
- For a smoky kick, add a bit more smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
- To make it creamier, add a splash of cream or extra milk when making the cheese sauce.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Keywords: BBQ chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, creamy pasta, easy dinner, shredded chicken, cheesy pasta, BBQ sauce
