Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce, all mixed with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni for a comforting, flavorful meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce
- 450 g (1 lb) boneless skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (sweet and smoky recommended)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese Sauce
- 225 g (8 oz) 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: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and warm through for 2 to 3 minutes, ensuring the chicken is heated evenly.
- Mix Chicken with BBQ Sauce: Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the warmed chicken. Mix thoroughly and then set the mixture aside.
- Warm Milk: In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat just until heated but not boiling to prepare for the cheese sauce.
- Melt Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the warmed milk, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Combine with BBQ Chicken: Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture, stirring until well combined and heated through evenly.
- Season and Serve: Taste the mac and cheese and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot for best flavor and texture.
- Garnish: Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a drizzle of extra BBQ sauce for an appealing presentation and added flavor.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- If you prefer a spicier BBQ flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
- For a creamier sauce, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and reheated gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a fresh touch but can be omitted if unavailable.
