BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy, cheesy macaroni meets tender, smoky barbecue chicken in this hearty comfort dish that's perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Elbow macaroni is enveloped in a rich cheese sauce made from cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella, then tossed with shredded chicken coated in tangy BBQ sauce. A hint of paprika and garlic powder adds warmth and depth. Ready in about 25 minutes, this dish delivers soulful flavor with minimal effort—just boil, melt, mix, and enjoy. Serve it by itself or alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a satisfying family meal.

Ingredients (serves 4)

• Meat

  • 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded)

• Produce & Spices

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ cup green onions, sliced

• Condiments & Pasta

  • ½ cup barbecue sauce

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

• Dairy & Baking

  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter

  • 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour

  • 2 cups whole milk

  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

  • ½ cup gouda cheese, shredded

  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
    
    

Directions

1. Cook pasta – Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prep chicken – In a bowl, toss shredded chicken with BBQ sauce; set aside.

3. Make sauce – In the same pot, melt butter over medium-low heat; whisk in flour until bubbly. Gradually pour in milk while whisking. Add garlic powder, paprika, pepper, and salt.

4. Add cheese – Once sauce thickens, reduce heat and stir in cheddar, gouda, and mozzarella until melted.

5. Combine – Fold in cooked macaroni, BBQ chicken, and green onions until everything is well coated and warmed through.

6. Serve – Spoon into bowls or a casserole dish. Optional: broil briefly to brown the top. Garnish with extra green onions or a BBQ drizzle if desired.

Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Total Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 80mg
Sodium: 150mg
Total Carbohydrates: 45g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 35g
Protein: 5g