BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

8 servings
Pulled BBQ chicken and high protein mac and cheese baked with a cheesy top layer and BBQ drizzle.

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Pulled BBQ Chicken*
  • 8 oz Banza Pasta Shells
  • 1 C Pasta Water
  • 1 C Milk
  • 10 oz Shredded Cheese Blend

    divided

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat an oven to 400ºF and bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.

  2. 2

    Cook the pasta for 8-9 minutes until tender. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set aside.

  3. 3

    Set the burner to its lowest setting and add the drained pasta back to the pot with the cup of pasta water and milk. Stir to fully incorporate.

  4. 4

    Gradually fold in 8 oz of shredded cheese 1-2 oz at a time until you have a smooth sauce. (Don't worry if the sauce is slightly runny, it will thicken in the oven once the chicken is added.) Salt and pepper to taste.

  5. 5

    Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish or oven safe skillet and stir in the pulled chicken. Top with 2 oz of shredded cheese and drizzle with BBQ sauce (optional). Bake for 8-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese

4.6(88)25 min8 servings

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Ratings & Reviews

0.0/ 5
Exceptional

Based on 88 ratings

masonfit.com
4.6(88 reviews)
View original recipe

Rating Breakdown

About this Recipe

Craving the ultimate comfort food fusion? This BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese brings together smoky, tangy pulled chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta in one irresistible dish, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week. You'll love how effortlessly this recipe delivers big, bold flavors.

What makes this BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese truly stand out is its clever combination of rich flavors and satisfying textures. By blending tender pulled BBQ chicken directly into the high-protein mac and cheese, then baking it to golden perfection with an extra cheesy top, you get a harmonious bite every time. The final BBQ drizzle ties it all together, ensuring every forkful is packed with that signature sweet and savory tang.

Prepare for a comforting and deeply satisfying meal. You'll experience the familiar creaminess of a classic mac and cheese, elevated by the smoky, slightly sweet, and tangy notes of the pulled BBQ chicken. The use of Banza pasta provides a high-protein base, while the baked cheesy top adds a delightful contrast in texture. With a final flourish of BBQ drizzle, every bite delivers a burst of flavor. This dish is designed to be a hearty, cheesy, and utterly delicious experience.

This versatile dish welcomes your personal touch. For a different protein, consider shredded pork or even a plant-based option like smoked tofu. You can experiment with various types of shredded cheese blends to fine-tune the flavor profile, from sharp cheddar to a Monterey Jack mix. Don't have Banza pasta? Any small, sturdy pasta shape will work beautifully.

This hearty BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese is a showstopper for casual gatherings or a comforting family meal. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or some quick coleslaw for a balanced plate.

Frequently Asked Questions