Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a sweet and smoky twist, combining classic mac and cheese with tender BBQ chicken for a hearty, crowd-pleasing comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 3/4 cup BBQ sauce
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, hot sauce to taste
- Optional toppings: crispy onions, bacon bits, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix shredded chicken with BBQ sauce and warm gently.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Stir until thickened.
- Remove from heat. Stir in cheeses until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional spices.
- Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce. Fold in half the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Spoon remaining BBQ chicken on top. Stir lightly or leave layered.
- For baked version: transfer to greased baking dish, bake at 375°F for 15–20 minutes until bubbly. Add toppings in last few minutes if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap pasta shapes or try gluten-free pasta.
- Add corn, beans, or sautéed onions for a twist.
- Top with bacon or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Add hot sauce or pepper jack for heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
