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Easy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

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This Easy BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese combines creamy macaroni and cheese with smoky, tangy BBQ chicken. It’s a comfort food favorite, perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing friends with a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

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. Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the shredded chicken and sauté for a couple of minutes until heated through.
  3. Lower the heat and add the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly.
  4. Add the milk to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly to avoid curdling.
  5. Once the milk has warmed, add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing it into the sauce until fully coated.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Vegetarian version: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms.

Spicy kick: Add a little sriracha or hot sauce to the BBQ sauce to spice things up.

Different cheeses: Swap out the mozzarella or cheddar with gouda, Monterey Jack, or sharp blue cheese for a different flavor profile.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat in a skillet with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://justsosavory.com/easy-bbq-chicken-mac-and-cheese/