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BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Smoky, creamy, and packed with flavor, this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food recipe. Tender shredded chicken is tossed in rich barbecue sauce and folded into a creamy, cheesy pasta sauce for an easy dinner the whole family will love. Perfect for lazy dinners, meal prep, picky eaters, or even a cozy pasta bake, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni or pasta shells
  • 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¾ cup BBQ sauce
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: chopped parsley crispy onions, for topping

Method
 

  1. Cook the Pasta
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce
  4. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
  5. Add the Cheese
  6. Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until smooth and creamy.
  7. Add BBQ and Chicken
  8. Mix in BBQ sauce and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper.
  9. Combine with Pasta
  10. Fold cooked pasta into the sauce until evenly coated.
  11. Optional Pasta Bake Finish
  12. Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes for a golden, bubbly top.
  13. Serve
  14. Garnish with parsley or crispy toppings if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Rotisserie chicken works great for easy lunch ideas or lazy dinners.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
For a smoky twist, use smoked gouda in place of mozzarella.
To make it lighter, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese.
Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.