BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food mashup! Creamy, cheesy macaroni is combined with smoky, tangy BBQ chicken for a hearty one-pot meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or when you’re craving something extra satisfying.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Saucepan
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and shredded or diced
- 8 oz elbow macaroni or other pasta
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- salt and pepper, to taste
- fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add shredded chicken and cook 2–3 minutes until warmed.
- Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until chicken is fully coated.
- In a saucepan, warm milk over medium. Reduce heat to low, add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until smooth.
- Add pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until coated.
- Fold BBQ chicken mixture into the mac and cheese until well combined and heated through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with parsley if desired.
Notes
For a baked version, transfer to a dish, top with cheese and breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly.