BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. This creamy, cheesy dish features tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce, making it perfect for a satisfying family meal or meal prep option.
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)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 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 evenly.
- 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 leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Add crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions for an extra layer of flavor.
- Swap elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as shells or penne.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure it is fully cooked and thawed before shredding and adding to the dish.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives and milk substitutes like almond or oat milk, and adjust cooking time as needed for melting the cheese alternatives.
PrintBBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously smoky, creamy, and cheesy dish combining tender shredded chicken with a rich, tangy BBQ sauce and melty cheeses. Perfect as a comforting family dinner or high-protein meal prep option, it brings together the best flavors of BBQ and classic mac and cheese in a quick and easy stovetop recipe.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 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
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 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.
- Warm Chicken. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- Add BBQ Sauce and Seasonings. Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the sauce and heat through for another minute.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Gradually stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently but thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
- Mix in BBQ Chicken. Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- For extra flavor, add a handful of crispy bacon bits or some sautéed onions.
- This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, cheesy pasta, BBQ chicken recipe, comfort food, high-protein dinner, easy stovetop mac and cheese
