Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, smoky comfort food classic that’s ready in just 25 minutes. Tender shredded chicken coated in BBQ sauce is folded into rich homemade mac and cheese for the ultimate weeknight dinner. Fast, family-friendly, and totally crave-worthy, this stovetop dinner is sure to become a regular on your menu.
Ingredients
450 g (1 lb) cooked, shredded chicken breast
15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil
225 g (8 oz) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
100 g (1 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
240 ml (1 cup) milk (preferably low-fat)
120 ml (½ cup) BBQ sauce (any style)
5 ml (1 tsp) garlic powder
5 ml (1 tsp) onion powder
2.5 ml (½ tsp) smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook Pasta
Boil pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and sauté for 2–3 minutes.
3. Add Flavor
Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and simmer 2 minutes.
4. Make Cheese Sauce
In a separate saucepan, warm milk over medium heat. Slowly stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
5. Combine
Add drained pasta into cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and combine well.
6. Serve
Adjust seasoning to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Slightly undercook pasta so it holds up in the sauce.
Sharp cheddar adds depth, while mozzarella gives that gooey pull.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add crispy bacon or toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture.
BBQ sauce flavor can be sweet, smoky, or spicy—choose your favorite.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Plats
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American