Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (preferably BBQ seasoned)
- 3 cups cooked macaroni pasta
- 1 cup barbecue sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup milk or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional topping: fried onions or crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Start by cooking your chicken breasts either by grilling, baking, or boiling. Once cooked, shred the chicken and toss it with your favorite barbecue sauce. For extra flavor, you can season the chicken with smoked paprika or chili powder.
- Boil your macaroni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden. Gradually add milk or heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheeses, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the barbecue chicken and cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well coated and heated through.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle crushed fried onions or Ritz crackers over the top for added crunch. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- Use gluten-free pasta and sauce if needed for gluten-free diets.
- For a spicier version, add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños.
- This dish can be assembled ahead of time and baked later, making it ideal for meal prep or parties.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg