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A bowl of creamy mac and cheese topped with smoky, tangy BBQ chicken pieces garnished with chopped herbs

Smoky Tangy BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese: A Comfort Food Extravaganza

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Indulge in our Smoky Tangy BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese, a comfort food extravaganza blending smoky barbecue flavors with creamy cheesy goodness. Perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe combines tender BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and a hint of smokiness for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (preferably smoked or grilled)
  • 1 lb (16 oz) elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
  • 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. <li id="instruction-step-3" Stir in BBQ sauce and milk or heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add cooked pasta and shredded BBQ chicken into the skillet. Mix well to coat evenly.
  5. Reduce heat to low and sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until cheeses melt and form a creamy sauce.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro or green onions. Optional: sprinkle with crispy fried onions.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotisserie chicken for cooked BBQ chicken for quicker preparation.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if following a gluten-free diet.
  • Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to taste for more smoky flavor.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 cup)
  • Calories: 550 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg