Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Creamy, cheesy pasta with tender shredded chicken tossed in tangy BBQ sauce – a family favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring until thickened. Remove from heat and add cheddar, mozzarella, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Combine: Stir in cooked pasta until coated. Toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl. Gently fold BBQ chicken into mac and cheese.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving dish, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, top with crispy fried onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg