BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender shredded chicken in a tangy BBQ sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni for the ultimate comfort food dish.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 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
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 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)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the BBQ chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and warm through. Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat the milk. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture. Stir until well mixed.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can customize the level of spiciness by choosing a BBQ sauce with more or less heat.
- Feel free to add in extra veggies like bell peppers or broccoli for added nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Comfort Food Recipe