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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy delight combining elbow macaroni with flavorful BBQ chicken, perfect for any family gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Chicken
  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (preferably grilled or rotisserie for flavor)
  • 1 cup BBQ sauce Choose your favorite brand or homemade
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil To cook the chicken
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
Cheese Mixture
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese For that gooey, cheesy goodness
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese Adds a nice stretch
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese For creaminess
  • 1/2 cup milk Adjust for desired consistency
Garnish
  • Chopped green onions or parsley For garnish

Method
 

Cooking Pasta
  1. 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.
Preparing Chicken
  1. If your chicken isn’t already cooked, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken, followed by the BBQ sauce. Stir until the chicken is fully coated and heated through. Remove from stovetop.
Making Cheese Sauce
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, and milk. Stir until you have a creamy mixture. You can use a hand mixer for a smoother texture if desired.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add the drained pasta and BBQ chicken to the cheese mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are fully coated in cheesy goodness.
Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
Garnishing and Serving
  1. Remove from the oven and allow it to sit for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, try making your own BBQ sauce and mix different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack. Avoid overcooking the pasta to prevent a mushy texture. This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings.