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A creamy bowl of Zesty BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese topped with fresh herbs and crispy chicken pieces, served on a rustic wooden table.

Zesty BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Extravaganza

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Discover the deliciously bold Zesty BBQ Chicken Mac & Cheese Extravaganza, a comforting and flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese. This recipe combines tender shredded BBQ chicken, melty cheeses, and a zesty sauce, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s your new go-to comfort food with smoky, cheesy goodness in every bite.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked BBQ chicken, shredded
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup BBQ sauce (adjust to taste)
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Sauté diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Stir in shredded BBQ chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add BBQ sauce, sour cream, and milk, stirring to combine. Simmer on low until heated through and slightly thickened.
  3. Add cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing to coat. Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro. Optional: sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or bacon bits for extra crunch.

Notes

  • Feel free to use leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or gouda for variations.
  • Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and sauce.
  • For creamier texture, add an extra splash of milk or cheese before serving.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop/Bake
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Suitable for omnivores

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • Calories: 620 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 45g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg