BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 450 g chicken breast, cooked and shredded
02 - 225 g elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
03 - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
05 - 1 cup low-fat milk
06 - 1/2 cup BBQ sauce

→ Seasonings and Garnish

07 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 - Salt and pepper, to taste
12 - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, following package directions. Drain well and set aside.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add cooked, shredded chicken and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until warmed through.
03 - Stir BBQ sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the chicken. Mix thoroughly to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
04 - In a separate saucepan over medium heat, heat the milk until steaming. Gradually add the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
05 - Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
06 - Fold the BBQ chicken mixture into the cheesy pasta and stir until uniformly combined and heated through.
07 - Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

# Notes:

01 - Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce consistency.
02 - For extra smoky flavour, opt for smoked cheddar or add a pinch more smoked paprika.