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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

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This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a deliciously smoky, creamy, and cheesy dish. Packed with tender pieces of chicken and a rich, tangy BBQ sauce, its the ultimate comfort food with a high-protein twist. Perfect for a family dinner or high-protein meal prep. This dish combines the best of BBQ and mac and cheese in one mouthwatering recipe!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
  • 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)
  • 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
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to warm through.
  3. Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken in the sauce.
  4. In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, continuing to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Then, fold in the BBQ chicken mixture and continue stirring until everything is well mixed.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal.
For extra flavor, add a handful of crispy bacon bits or some sautéed onions.
This dish is great for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.delicetreats.com/bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese/