Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked, shredded BBQ chicken
- 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions, fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your preferred pasta—elbow macaroni works great for classic mac and cheese. Cook until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute until bubbling. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until cheeses are fully melted and sauce is creamy. Fold in the BBQ chicken, ensuring it’s evenly coated with the cheesy, smoky sauce.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the flavorful BBQ cheese sauce. Transfer everything into a baking dish if you prefer a baked version.
- Optionally, sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. For a quicker meal, serve straight from the stovetop with garnishes like chopped green onions or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Using leftover grilled BBQ chicken adds extra smoky flavor.
- Replace cheddar with pepper jack or Monterey Jack cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Add cooked bacon bits or jalapeños for extra texture and heat.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and baking (optional)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg