BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese (Print View)

Tender chicken, cheddar and mozzarella, and BBQ flavors combine with pasta for a satisfying, hearty meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 450g chicken breast, cooked and shredded
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 225g elbow macaroni or preferred pasta
04 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
05 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
06 - 1 cup low-fat milk
07 - 120ml BBQ sauce

→ Seasonings

08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
10 - 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt to taste
12 - Black pepper to taste

→ Garnish

13 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
03 - Add BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to the chicken. Stir well to fully coat the meat and cook for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
04 - In a separate saucepan, heat milk over medium heat just until warm. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth.
05 - Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat the pasta evenly.
06 - Fold in the BBQ chicken mixture. Stir until all components are thoroughly combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper if needed.
07 - Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Notes:

01 - For deeper flavor, use smoked chicken breast or add a pinch of cayenne to enhance the smokiness.