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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 27 reviews

A creamy, flavorful BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combining tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with a rich cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, perfect for a comforting meal.

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 the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
  2. Prepare the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked and shredded chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes to warm through and evenly heat the chicken.
  3. Mix the BBQ sauce and spices: Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the chicken. Toss thoroughly to coat the chicken pieces evenly in the flavorful sauce.
  4. Make the cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  5. Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to combine evenly, ensuring every piece is coated in the cheesy sauce.
  6. Incorporate BBQ chicken: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, stirring continuously until everything is well blended and heated through.
  7. Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the mac and cheese, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.

Notes

  • Use low-fat milk to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Adjust BBQ sauce amount based on how strong and sweet you like the BBQ flavor.
  • Feel free to substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, like shells or penne.
  • For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes when mixing the chicken.
  • Cook chicken in advance to save time or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Fresh parsley garnish adds color but can be omitted if unavailable.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cheframi.com/bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-2/