Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender shredded chicken in a tangy BBQ sauce with creamy, cheesy macaroni for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 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)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add shredded chicken and BBQ sauce, season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until warmed through.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat milk and stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, then mix in the BBQ chicken. Stir until well combined.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Enhance the dish with crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions.
- Perfect for meal prep; store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
