Print

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 133 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. Cook Pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  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, until warmed through.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Combine Pasta and Cheese. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently but thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly.
  6. Mix in BBQ Chicken. Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
  7. 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

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