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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 15 reviews

This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious twist on the classic comfort food, combining tender shredded chicken tossed in flavorful BBQ sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni. Perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is rich, savory, and sure to satisfy your cravings with its smoky, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain well and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Warm the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
  3. Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce and Spices: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the warm chicken. Mix well until the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce and spices.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat. Gradually stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir thoroughly to coat all the pasta with the creamy cheese.
  6. Fold in BBQ Chicken Mixture: Gently fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, ensuring that all ingredients are well blended for even flavor distribution.
  7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the mac and cheese and season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • You can substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer such as shells or penne.
  • Use low-fat milk to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
  • For more smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.
  • The shredded chicken can be prepared ahead of time to speed up cooking.
  • If you like it spicier, consider adding some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
  • Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness to the dish.

Nutrition

Keywords: BBQ chicken mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce recipe

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