Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together two comfort classics that’ll make your taste buds dance with pure delight. Creamy pasta meets smoky, tender chicken in a dish that screams weekend dinner perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese and Sauce:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook for exactly 8-9 minutes until al dente. Drain pasta thoroughly in a colander.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium heat for 2 minutes. Add 1 lb of shredded chicken breast and warm for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Select a medium saucepan and combine 2 cups cheddar cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, 1 cup low-fat milk, and ½ cup BBQ sauce. Melt ingredients over low heat for 5-6 minutes, whisking constantly.
- Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into your cheese mixture. Stir until seasonings are fully incorporated.
- Transfer cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat every single noodle completely. Add warm shredded chicken and mix thoroughly.
- Transfer mac and cheese to serving dishes. Scatter fresh chopped parsley across the top for a bright finishing touch.
Notes
- Shred the chicken while it’s still warm for easier pulling and more tender meat.
- Choose a smoky BBQ sauce that complements the cheese without overpowering the dish.
- Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded for a creamier, more even sauce.
- For a lighter version, swap whole milk for skim milk and use reduced-fat cheeses to cut calories without losing flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 to 6
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg