Description
A comforting casserole combining smoky BBQ chicken and gooey mac and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) cooked and shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk (low-fat preferred)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and sauté for 2–3 minutes just to warm.
- Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated. Remove from heat and keep warm.
- In a separate saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat until it’s just below simmering. Reduce heat to low.
- Add the cheddar and mozzarella a handful at a time, stirring constantly. Melt until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in the BBQ-coated chicken until everything is combined.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For a creamier texture, use freshly shredded cheese and toast smoked paprika before adding chicken for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: BBQ, chicken, mac and cheese, comfort food, casserole