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Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

This Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender shredded chicken with creamy cheddar and mozzarella cheese, all mixed into perfectly cooked elbow macaroni and enhanced with a smoky BBQ sauce for a flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta and Cheese Sauce

  • 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)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded cooked chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm it through. Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well so the chicken is evenly coated with the sauce.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat all the noodles evenly with the sauce.
  5. Mix in the Chicken: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, stirring gently but thoroughly until everything is well combined.
  6. Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the dish and add additional salt and pepper as needed. Serve the Chicken Mac and Cheese hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Use low-fat milk for a lighter version of the cheese sauce.
  • For added flavor, try smoking the chicken before shredding or use rotisserie chicken.
  • Substitute elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer.
  • You can swap the BBQ sauce for buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken Mac and Cheese, BBQ Chicken Pasta, Cheesy Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe/