Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy and flavorful dish that combines tender elbow macaroni with shredded chicken and a tangy BBQ sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 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)
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 cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, BBQ sauce, milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- If using, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Substitute the shredded chicken with pulled pork or cooked ground 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: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg