Description
This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously smoky, creamy, and cheesy dish. Packed with tender pieces of chicken and a rich, tangy BBQ sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food with a high-protein twist. Perfect for a family dinner or high-protein meal prep. This dish combines the best of BBQ and mac and cheese in one mouthwatering recipe!
Ingredients
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 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)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the BBQ Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through. Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and continue stirring until everything is well mixed.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
- For extra flavor, add a handful of crispy bacon bits or some sautéed onions.
- This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- 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
