Why Make This Recipe
Who can resist the heavenly combination of BBQ chicken and gooey mac and cheese? This dish brings together comfort food at its finest, making your taste buds dance with joy. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up on a busy weeknight or when you’re hosting friends for game night. Seriously, what’s not to love?
Imagine this: bite-sized chunks of tender chicken smothered in sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, all nestled in a creamy, cheesy pasta. If that doesn’t grab your attention, I don’t know what will! 🤤 It’s like a BBQ party in a bowl!
How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Get ready to embark on a delightful culinary adventure! This recipe is practically a no-brainer — you’ll be a rockstar in the kitchen with minimal effort. Here’s how to create this delicious dish:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm it through.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is coated in the sauce.
- In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and keep stirring until everything’s well mixed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you want to feel fancy. 😋
Ingredients
Here’s your shopping list! Gather these goodies:
- 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)
How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Serving this dish is all about flexibility! You can serve it as a main course, or as a side dish at your next gathering— it definitely holds its own among the appetizers.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for that pop of color and a dash of freshness.
- Pair it with a simple salad or some garlic bread for a full meal.
- If you’re feeling extra, top it with some crispy bacon bits or fried onion straws for an extra crunch.
Basically, just go wild! 😆
How to Store BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day. Here’s what to do:
- Refrigerate: Place the mac and cheese in an airtight container. It will keep for about 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Pop it in the microwave or warm it up on the stove. Just add a splash of milk to bring back some of that creamy goodness.
Tips to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Looking to up your mac and cheese game? Here are some handy tips:
- Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Mix cheese varieties! Experiment with gouda or pepper jack for an extra flavor kick.
- Make it spicy! Toss in a few jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you want to turn up the heat.
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Here’s a cool variation:
- BBQ Pulled Pork Mac and Cheese: Swap out the chicken for pulled pork for a smoky spin. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. 😉
FAQs
Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just make sure to choose a gluten-free variety, and you’re good to go.
Q: How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and swap it for sautéed veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for a hearty dish.
Q: Can I freeze BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can! Just store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to eat, defrost it in the fridge overnight and reheat.
And there you have it! BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, the ultimate comfort food that will have everyone begging for seconds. Enjoy every creamy bite! 🍽️
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz 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
Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- to taste Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish (optional)
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm it through.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is coated in the sauce.
Cheese Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Combine
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and keep stirring until everything's well mixed.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you want to feel fancy.
Notes
Printable Recipe Card
Want just the essential recipe details without scrolling through the article? Get our printable recipe card with just the ingredients and instructions.