Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
For the Mac and Cheese
- 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)
For Serving (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the macaroni or pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Warm the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the cooked and shredded chicken, stirring for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.
- Season the Chicken: Stir in the BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, plus salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated and heated. Set aside.
- Prepare Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan over medium heat, pour in the milk. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained, cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat all the pasta with the creamy sauce.
- Add BBQ Chicken Mixture: Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta, mixing well until everything is combined and evenly distributed.
- Taste and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if you like.
Notes
- You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save cooking time.
- For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits or sautéed onions to the skillet with your chicken.
- This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to use any pasta shape you like or substitute with whole grain or gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High Protein
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 75mg