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Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 17 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combining tender shredded chicken coated in BBQ sauce with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce tossed with elbow macaroni. This easy one-pot meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner that blends smoky, cheesy, and savory tastes.

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)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside to prevent sticking.
  2. Warm Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, to warm through evenly.
  3. Prepare Chicken Sauce: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the chicken in the skillet. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken pieces well with the flavorful sauce.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, gently heat the milk over medium heat. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, continuously stirring until all cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir well to evenly coat all noodles with the cheesy mixture.
  6. Incorporate BBQ Chicken: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, stirring until the components are fully combined and heated through.
  7. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning by adding salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a touch of freshness and color.

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half with the milk.
  • Use your preferred type of pasta if elbow macaroni is unavailable.
  • Shred the chicken from leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
  • This dish can be baked with an additional cheese topping for a crispy crust if desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Mac and Cheese, BBQ chicken pasta, comfort food, cheesy pasta recipe, quick dinner, family meal

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