Nothing says cozy comfort food quite like BBQ chicken alfredo a dish that marries the smoky sweetness of barbecue chicken with the creamy decadence of alfredo sauce. As someone who loves experimenting with pasta recipes, I can tell you this fusion is a weeknight winner that always gets rave reviews at my table.
Let’s dive into how to make it and yes, we’ll also talk about how many calories are in chicken alfredo, what to serve with it, and what you should not skip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the BBQ Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder
- ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce
For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine (or any pasta of choice)
Step-by-Step BBQ Chicken Alfredo Recipe
1.Cook the Pasta
Boil your pasta. Drain and set aside.
2. Season & Grill the Chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Grill or pan-sear until fully cooked. Brush with BBQ sauce in the final 2-3 minutes to caramelize.
3. Make the Alfredo Sauce
In a skillet, melt butter and olive oil. Sauté garlic, add cream and milk, and let it simmer. Stir in Parmesan and whisk until creamy.
4. Combine
Slice the BBQ chicken and add to the Alfredo sauce along with the pasta. Toss gently.
5. Garnish:
Top with extra Parmesan, chopped parsley, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce for that Instagram-worthy finish.
What to Eat With Chicken Alfredo: The Best Sides
Chicken alfredo is rich and creamy, so the best sides for chicken alfredo are those that offer freshness, crunch, or a touch of acidity to balance the meal. Here are some favorites:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
- Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, green beans, or mushrooms add color and nutrients.
- Crisp Green Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
- Caesar Salad: Classic pairing with creamy pasta.
- Grilled Corn or Corn Salad: Adds sweetness and texture.
- Sauteed Spinach or Kale: Brings a healthy, earthy note.
- Roasted Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: For a heartier meal.
- Caprese Salad: Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer freshness and acidity
If you want to keep things light, opt for a big salad or a side of roasted veggies. For a more indulgent spread, garlic bread and a Caesar salad are always crowd-pleasers.
How Many Calories in Chicken Alfredo
A typical serving of classic chicken Alfredo ranges from 800 to 1200 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients. When you add BBQ chicken, the calorie count goes up slightly—about 100–150 extra calories, depending on the sauce you use.
Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:
- Pasta: 300–400 calories
- Alfredo sauce: 350–450 calories
- BBQ chicken: 200–300 calories
Total: 900 to 1,100 calories
You can lighten things up by using grilled chicken breast, low-fat milk, and cutting the pasta portion in half. Or… just enjoy it and hit the treadmill tomorrow.
Chef Secrets
- “Add a splash of pickle juice to cut richness—trust me.” – Chef Ashley Christensen
- “Toast your breadcrumbs in bacon fat for smoky crunch.” – Chef Sean Brock
- “Finish with lemon zest—it brightens the whole dish.” – Chef Missy Robbins
Final Thoughts
Creamy, dreamy, and just the right amount of smoky BBQ Chicken Alfredo is the comfort food fusion you didn’t know you needed. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this recipe delivers bold flavors in every forkful.
I hope you like the recipe, and please try the recipe at your home and let us know in the comment section. We’d love to hear your twist on it!
FAQS
1. Does barbecue sauce go with Alfredo sauce?
Not typically, they have very different flavors, but a drizzle of BBQ on grilled chicken in Alfredo can work if you like sweet-savory combos.
2. Can I use grilled chicken for chicken Alfredo?
Yes! Grilled chicken adds a nice smoky flavor and works great with creamy Alfredo sauce.
3. What is the difference between chicken Alfredo and chicken fettuccine?
Chicken Alfredo is a creamy dish made with Alfredo sauce, while chicken fettuccine just means chicken served with fettuccine it could use any sauce.
4. Do you put barbecue sauce on chicken before or after cooking?
Add BBQ sauce near the end of cooking, or after it can burn if applied too early due to the sugar.
