The Ultimate BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Mashup
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food! Creamy, cheesy pasta combines with tender shredded chicken and tangy, smoky BBQ sauce for a high-protein twist on a classic favorite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, it’s a dish that will satisfy both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
-
1 lb (450 g) cooked and shredded chicken breast
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
8 oz (225 g) 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
-
Cook pasta: Prepare pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
-
Prepare BBQ chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and cook 2–3 minutes until warmed through. Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, coating the chicken evenly.
-
Make cheese sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat milk over medium heat. Gradually stir in cheddar and mozzarella until fully melted and smooth.
-
Combine pasta and cheese sauce: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
-
Add chicken: Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture, stirring to combine everything thoroughly.
-
Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
-
Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
-
For extra smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the cheese sauce.
-
Mix in sautéed onions or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
-
This dish reheats well, making it ideal for meal prep or family leftovers.
Nutrition
- Calories: 580 kcal per serving
- Fat: 28 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Protein: 38 g