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A bowl of creamy mac and cheese topped with smoked, tangy BBQ chicken pieces and a sprinkle of herbs.

Smoky Tangy Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Comfort Food Extravaganza

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Indulge in our Smoky Tangy Chicken Mac and Cheese, a comforting and flavorful dish that combines smoky BBQ chicken with creamy cheesy pasta. Perfect for family dinners or weekend gatherings, this recipe offers bold flavors and rich textures that everyone will love. Elevate your comfort food experience with this irresistible twist on classic mac and cheese.

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) of elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (use leftovers or grilled chicken breasts)
  • 1 cup smoky BBQ sauce
  • 1/2 cup tangy ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 small red onion, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. If not using pre-cooked chicken, season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Grill or bake until cooked through, then shred into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté chopped red onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Mix in the smoked BBQ sauce and ranch dressing into the onions. Add shredded chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
  5. Combine cooked pasta with the chicken and sauce mixture in a large bowl. Mix in half of the shredded cheeses, then stir well.
  6. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Notes

  • You can substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker assembly.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables or plant-based protein.
  • Adjust cheese quantities to suit your flavor preference. For extra crunch, sprinkle fried onions on top before baking.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking, Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Comfort Food

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 580 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 72g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg