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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy and smoky twist on classic mac and cheese, perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

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

Notes

For a smoky boost, sprinkle extra smoked paprika on top. Use pre-cooked chicken for quicker preparation.

  • Author: jayne
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: BBQ Chicken, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Family Recipe