Description
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: A creamy, smoky, high-protein comfort dish that blends BBQ chicken with classic macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- ½ cup BBQ sauce (halal-certified)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add shredded chicken and BBQ sauce. Stir to coat and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and BBQ chicken mixture. Stir until fully combined.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- Optional: chopped parsley or green onions for garnish.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free flour and gluten-free pasta.
- Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated on the stove or in the microwave.
- To make it extra creamy, add a splash of cream or cream cheese to the sauce.
- If the sauce thickens too much, whisk in a little more milk until desired consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1 cup prepared mac and cheese with BBQ chicken)
- Calories: Approximately 550-650 kcal
- Sugar: Approximately 10 g
- Sodium: Approximately 800 mg
- Fat: Approximately 28 g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approximately 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 55 g
- Fiber: Approximately 2 g
- Protein: Approximately 25-28 g
- Cholesterol: Approximately 85 mg
Keywords: BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese, creamy macaroni and cheese, BBQ chicken pasta, comfort food, halal BBQ sauce, cheesy chicken pasta