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Emma

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Delight!

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delicious comfort food that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with shredded chicken and tangy BBQ sauce, topped with a golden breadcrumb crust.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese softened
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil optional for breadcrumbs

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
  5. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil in a small bowl until coated, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g

Notes

  • For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.
  • Substitute the chicken with pulled pork or beef for a different flavor profile, or make it vegetarian by using black beans and corn instead of meat.

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