Description
A delicious fusion of smoky BBQ chicken and creamy mac and cheese, this quick and comforting dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or crowd-pleasing meals.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any short pasta)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (plus more for drizzling)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from skillet and shred using two forks.
- Return shredded chicken to skillet. Add BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the chicken evenly and heat through. Set aside.
- In a separate saucepan over medium heat, warm the milk. Gradually add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
- Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot with optional BBQ drizzle or parsley garnish.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken to save time.
- Swap in your favorite cheeses like gouda or pepper jack.
- Add heat with hot sauce, jalapeños, or crushed red pepper.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting chicken and using veggies or plant-based meat.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
