Description
A delightful blend of creamy mac and cheese with smoky BBQ chicken, making it an ultimate comfort food experience.
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)
- 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)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in the shredded chicken and warm for about 2–3 minutes.
- Add BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix well to coat the chicken.
- In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella, whisking until melted into a smooth sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and fold gently. Incorporate the BBQ chicken mixture and stir until combined.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve in bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare the BBQ chicken and cheese sauce in advance; combine with pasta before serving. For a crispy topping, broil finished mac and cheese in the oven for a few minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 563
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg