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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

A deliciously creamy fusion of BBQ chicken and mac and cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game night gather.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

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

This dish stores well and tastes better the next day. Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time, and mix cheese varieties for flavor variations.
Keyword BBQ Chicken, comfort food, Easy Recipe, mac and cheese, Weeknight Dinner