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A creamy plate of BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese topped with crispy golden breadcrumbs and garnished with fresh herbs.

BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Indulgence

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Discover the delicious BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe, a perfect chicken pasta bake that combines smoky barbecue flavor with creamy cheese. Easy to make and irresistibly tasty, this comfort food dish is ideal for cozy weeknights or weekend gatherings, offering tender chicken, gooey cheese, and a hint of smoky tang in every bite.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably smoked or grilled)
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne works well)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce (choose your favorite brand)
  • 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crispy bacon bits

Instructions

  1. Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, shred cooked store-bought rotisserie chicken or prepare your own smoked or grilled chicken breasts. For more flavor, see how to make creamy Boursin chicken pasta or chicken bacon ranch pasta.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the garlic powder and smoked paprika. Gradually whisk in the milk, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Add the cooked chicken to the cheese sauce, then incorporate the cooked pasta. Pour in the BBQ sauce and stir thoroughly to combine all flavors evenly. Continue cooking for a couple of minutes until heated through.
  5. Transfer the BBQ chicken mac & cheese to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and texture. Serve hot and enjoy the savory, smoky taste.

Notes

  • For extra smoky flavor, use smoked or grilled chicken.
  • If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
  • You can customize toppings with green onions, bacon bits, or jalapeños for added flavor.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 480 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 850 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg

Find it online: https://homeplatemagic.com/bbq-chicken-mac-cheese-the-ultimate-comfort-indulgence/