Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, smoky, and cheesy comfort dish made with tender shredded chicken and tangy BBQ sauce. This quick stovetop recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or a satisfying family dinner packed with flavor and protein.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shredded chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until warmed through.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate saucepan, heat milk over medium heat. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and stir until fully combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with optional parsley garnish.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
Add extra garlic powder or onion powder for stronger flavor.
Swap smoked paprika with chipotle chili powder for a smoky kick.
Add bacon bits or diced red peppers for texture.
Optional: Broil with extra cheese on top for a baked-style finish.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 75mg