Mac and Cheese BBQ Chicken

Introduction

This Mac and Cheese BBQ Chicken recipe combines creamy, cheesy pasta with smoky, tangy BBQ chicken for a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that brings a fun twist to classic mac and cheese.

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)
• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or butter to the cheese sauce.
• Use smoked gouda instead of mozzarella for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Add diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, shells, or rigatoni works well to hold the cheese sauce and BBQ chicken.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components separately and combine them before reheating. Avoid storing mixed mac and cheese too long as the pasta may absorb the sauce and become dry.

Mac and Cheese BBQ Chicken

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 114 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Mac and Cheese BBQ Chicken recipe that combines tender shredded chicken tossed in smoky BBQ sauce with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked macaroni. This skillet dish offers a delicious twist on classic mac and cheese, perfect as a hearty weeknight meal or casual gathering favorite.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Mixture

• 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)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
2. Heat the chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the shredded cooked chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
3. Add BBQ and spices: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the chicken. Mix thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
4. Make the cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, gently heat 1 cup of low-fat milk over medium heat. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine pasta with cheese sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat all the pasta evenly with the cheesy sauce.
6. Add BBQ chicken mixture: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta carefully, ensuring everything is well combined and heated through.
7. Adjust seasonings and serve: Taste the mac and cheese, and add salt and pepper if needed. Serve the dish hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

• Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melting quality.
• For extra smoky flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke to the BBQ chicken mixture.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or microwave.
• For a creamier dish, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
• Use gluten-free pasta if gluten dietary restrictions apply.

Keywords: mac and cheese, BBQ chicken, comfort food, cheddar cheese, easy dinner, skillet meal