BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a creamy stovetop pasta made with shredded chicken, cheddar, mozzarella, and smoky BBQ sauce.Cook elbow macaroni, prepare the cheese sauce, and combine with seasoned barbecue chicken.Ready in 30 minutes, this easy recipe makes 6 servings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked shredded chicken breast
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup milk preferably low-fat
- ½ cup halal-friendly BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the macaroni
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. Avoid overcooking, as the macaroni will continue absorbing moisture when combined with the warm cheese sauce.
- Step 2: Warm the shredded chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the cooked, shredded chicken breast and stir gently for 2–3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Spread the chicken evenly across the skillet so it warms without drying out.
- Step 3: Add the BBQ sauce and seasonings
- Pour the BBQ sauce over the shredded chicken.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until every piece of chicken is evenly coated in the smoky barbecue mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low and keep the chicken warm while preparing the cheese sauce.
- Step 4: Prepare the creamy cheese sauce
- Pour the milk into a medium saucepan over medium-low heat.
- Warm the milk gently without allowing it to boil.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and forms a creamy sauce.
- For the smoothest texture, add the cheese in small handfuls and allow each addition to melt before adding more.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of additional milk.
- Step 5: Combine the pasta and cheese sauce
- Add the drained macaroni to the saucepan containing the cheese sauce.
- Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy cheddar and mozzarella mixture.
- Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese sauce from separating.
- Step 6: Fold in the BBQ chicken
- Add the prepared barbecue chicken to the cheesy macaroni.
- Fold everything together until the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
- The combination of creamy cheese sauce and smoky barbecue chicken gives BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese its signature sweet, savory, and comforting flavor.
- Step 7: Adjust the seasoning and serve
- Taste the finished pasta and adjust the salt, pepper, or smoked paprika if necessary.
- For a stronger barbecue flavor, drizzle a little extra BBQ sauce over the top.
- Serve immediately while the cheese sauce is warm and creamy.
Notes
Chicken options
Cooked chicken breast provides a lean, tender protein source, but shredded chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor.
Rotisserie chicken is another convenient option when it is halal-certified.
Cheese substitutions
Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or mild white cheddar can replace part of the cheddar or mozzarella.
Choose cheeses made with microbial, vegetarian, or halal-certified enzymes when needed.
Milk alternatives
Whole milk produces a richer cheese sauce, while low-fat milk keeps the dish slightly lighter.
Unsweetened, unflavored oat milk can also work, although the flavor and consistency may change.
BBQ sauce variations
A honey BBQ sauce creates a sweeter finish, while a smoky or spicy BBQ sauce adds more depth.
Serving suggestions
Pair this creamy BBQ chicken pasta with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, steamed green beans, or a simple cucumber salad.
For a heartier comfort-food dinner, serve it alongside garlic bread or roasted sweet potatoes.