Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food recipe that combines creamy, cheesy pasta with smoky BBQ chicken. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan dish is family-friendly, indulgent yet practical, and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup (240 ml) low-fat milk
½ cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add shredded chicken and sauté 2–3 minutes. Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until coated.
Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat milk over medium. Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
Combine: Stir pasta into the cheese sauce. Fold in BBQ chicken mixture until well blended.
Serve: Garnish with parsley if desired and enjoy hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce.
Warm milk before adding cheese to avoid clumps.
Rotisserie chicken works great as a shortcut.
Add a splash of cream or cream cheese for extra richness.
Adjust BBQ sauce amount depending on sweetness or smokiness preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Pasta / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop (One-Pot)
- Cuisine: American