Why Make This Recipe

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining two favorites into one delicious dish. It’s cheesy, creamy, and packed with flavor from the BBQ sauce and spices. This recipe is perfect for a casual family dinner, a gathering with friends, or even meal prep for the week. Everyone will love the rich flavors, and it’s an easy way to feed a crowd!

How to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
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)
½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and continue stirring until everything is well mixed.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

How to Serve BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is great served hot right out of the pot. You can top each serving with extra BBQ sauce, cheese, or chopped parsley for a garnish. It pairs well with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy this dish as a main course at your next gathering!

How to Store BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

To store leftover BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, let it cool down and then place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to store it longer, consider freezing it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat it thoroughly before serving.

Tips to Make BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Use leftover chicken for a quicker cooking time. Rotisserie chicken works great!
Experiment with different pasta shapes like shells or penne for added texture.
Adjust the level of BBQ sauce based on your taste preference; more sauce for a tangier flavor.
For a smoky touch, consider adding bacon bits or smoked cheese.

Variation

You can easily make this dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms. You can also try adding some cooked bacon for an extra crunch or spicy chicken for a kick!

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time, and then just bake or reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

What kind of BBQ sauce should I use?
Use your favorite BBQ sauce; a sweet, tangy, or smoky sauce all works well in this recipe.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cheeses with your favorites like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for some heat.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese