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A creamy baked mac and cheese dish topped with tender smoky, tangy chicken pieces and melted golden cheese.

Smoky Tangy Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake

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Enjoy a hearty and flavorful Smoky Tangy Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake, combining smoky BBQ chicken, creamy cheeses, and a zesty sauce for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is quick to prepare and irresistibly delicious.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked shredded BBQ chicken (more chicken recipes)
  • 3 cups cooked macaroni or your favorite pasta
  • 1 cup smoky barbecue sauce
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish
  • Optional: diced jalapeños for extra heat

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Shred your cooked BBQ chicken and gather all remaining ingredients.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sour cream, barbecue sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Whisk until well blended.
  3. Add the cooked pasta and shredded BBQ chicken into the sauce mixture. Toss to coat evenly.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses evenly on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
  5. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot. For an extra smoky flavor, consider adding diced jalapeños before baking.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation and tender meat.
  • You can substitute different cheeses such as mozzarella or pepper jack for variety.
  • For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta and check all sauces are gluten-free.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking, Mixing
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Nut-Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 520 Kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 110mg