Description
Creamy, cheesy goodness combined with BBQ chicken, creating a comforting dish that elevates traditional mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Mix in Flavorful Elements: Stir in BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the chicken.
- Craft the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, pour in milk, gradually stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted into a smooth sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Gently fold in the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your dish and adjust the seasonings as necessary.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with parsley.
Notes
Make-ahead tips: Prepare the chicken and cheese sauce a day in advance. Store in separate airtight containers. Reheat gently before combining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg