Description
This creamy, cheesy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines tender shredded chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, and two types of melty cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Quick, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—this is a family-favorite weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
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)
1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
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 pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add shredded chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes until heated through.
Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken evenly.
In a separate saucepan, heat milk over medium heat. Slowly stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and mix well.
Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
Save time with rotisserie chicken—just shred and skip the cooking step.
Want it baked? Sprinkle with extra cheese and broil for 3–4 minutes.
Add spice by using a hot BBQ sauce or a pinch of cayenne.
Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheat great with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg