Description
Comfort meets Southern charm in this epic BBQ chicken mac and cheese, where creamy pasta mingles with smoky, tender chicken. Tangy barbecue sauce and melted cheese create a soulful dish that promises pure culinary happiness for you.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
Cheese:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Pasta and Additional Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 cup milk (low-fat preferred)
- 1/2 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
- Prepare pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, introducing shredded chicken and gently heating for 2-3 minutes.
- Infuse the chicken with flavor by thoroughly coating it with BBQ sauce, integrating garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly distributed.
- Create a creamy cheese foundation by gradually heating milk in a separate saucepan, then slowly incorporating cheddar and mozzarella cheese while continuously stirring until transforming into a silky, uniform sauce.
- Merge the cooked pasta into the molten cheese sauce, ensuring complete coverage, then delicately introduce the seasoned BBQ chicken mixture, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious combination.
- Sample the mac and cheese, refining the flavor profile by adjusting salt and pepper according to personal preference.
- Transfer to serving dishes, presenting the robust, tangy meal while maintaining optimal temperature, with optional fresh parsley garnish for enhanced visual appeal and subtle herbal notes.
Notes
- Opt for whole wheat pasta to boost fiber and nutritional value, creating a healthier version of this indulgent dish.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauce styles like smoky, sweet, or spicy to customize the flavor profile and match personal preferences.
- Use rotisserie chicken as a time-saving alternative, which adds extra richness and cuts down on cooking preparation.
- Consider low-fat cheese options or plant-based cheese substitutes for a lighter, dairy-free adaptation that maintains delicious taste and creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 575
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg