Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with a dish that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare? Say hello to Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Mac – a mouthwatering combination of tender chicken, zesty BBQ sauce, and creamy macaroni that will have your family begging for seconds! With just 15 minutes of prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you can create a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy days or cozy gatherings. Dive into this recipe and discover how to turn simple ingredients into a flavor-packed feast that will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup BBQ sauce
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheese
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Rinse and drain the black beans and kidney beans. If using frozen corn, measure out 1 cup and let it thaw.
- In a slow cooker, place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom. This will allow the chicken to cook evenly and absorb the flavors from the other ingredients.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans to the slow cooker. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including the juice, to add moisture and flavor to the dish.
- Next, add the cup of BBQ sauce over the chicken and beans. This will be the primary flavoring for the chili mac, so choose your favorite BBQ sauce for the best taste.
- Sprinkle the tablespoon of chili powder evenly over the ingredients in the slow cooker. This will give your dish a nice kick of flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and the flavors will meld together beautifully.
- After 6 hours, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Add the elbow macaroni and corn to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well mixed with the other ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker again and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the top of the chili mac. Cover and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve the Slow Cooker BBQ Chicken Chili Mac hot, garnished with additional cheese if desired. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful meal!
Tips
- Choose Your BBQ Sauce Wisely: The flavor of your chili mac largely depends on the BBQ sauce you select. Opt for a sweet, tangy, or smoky variety to match your taste preferences and enhance the overall dish.
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, consider prepping your ingredients in advance. Rinse and drain the beans, shred the cheese, and even measure out your spices the night before.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you like it spicy, feel free to add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños to the mix for an extra kick!
- Cook Low and Slow: For the best results, stick to the low cooking setting. This will ensure that the chicken becomes tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Don’t Skip the Cheese: Adding cheese at the end not only enhances the flavor but also gives the dish a creamy texture. For an extra cheesy experience, feel free to mix in more cheese before serving!
- Garnish for Greatness: Consider garnishing your dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and freshness that will make your chili mac even more appetizing.
- Leftovers? No Problem!: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a few days, making it perfect for meal prep. Just reheat and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
