Description
BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese is a comforting dish that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with shredded chicken and BBQ sauce for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the chicken mixture and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Fold in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, reserving a small amount of cheese for topping if desired.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. If using, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the BBQ chicken mixture.
- Substitute the chicken with pulled pork or shredded beef for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg