BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with shredded chicken and BBQ sauce for a delicious twist.
Author:Isabella
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
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)
2 tablespoons olive oil (optional for breadcrumbs)
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 shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, reserving a small amount of cheese for topping.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
Top with the reserved cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture.
Substitute the chicken with pulled pork or beef for a different flavor profile.