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
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1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
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1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
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8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
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2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup (120 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup (240 ml) low-fat milk
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½ cup (120 ml) BBQ sauce (your favorite)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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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.
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Make the cheese sauce: In a saucepan, heat milk over medium. Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
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Combine: Stir pasta into the cheese sauce. Fold in BBQ chicken mixture until well blended.
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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