Save A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family&friendly casserole.
I made this recipe for a casual weekend dinner and the whole family went back for seconds. It's become our go-to dish for potlucks and cozy nights in!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 3 tbsp unsalted butter, 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 700 ml (3 cups) whole milk, 200 g (2 cups) sharp cheddar cheese (shredded), 80 g (3/4 cup) mozzarella cheese (shredded), 60 g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese (grated), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional), 1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional)
- BBQ Chicken: 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp ground black pepper, 150 ml (2/3 cup) barbecue sauce
- Topping: 50 g (1/2 cup) panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp melted butter, 30 g (1/4 cup) cheddar cheese (shredded)
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13 inch) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare BBQ Chicken:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 6 7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove from heat, let rest for 5 minutes, then shred with two forks. Toss shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add Cheese:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Assemble Casserole:
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into prepared baking dish. Evenly top with BBQ chicken.
- Add Topping:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top, followed by extra cheddar.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Sharing this mac and cheese at Sunday dinner always leads to smiles and happy tummies. It's now a tradition for our movie nights!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well&rounded meal.
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven until hot and bubbly.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten). Some brands of pasta, BBQ sauce, or cheese may contain eggs or soy, so always check labels if allergies are a concern.
Save This BBQ chicken mac and cheese is comfort food at its best. Enjoy the cheesy goodness with your favorite people!
Kitchen Q&A
- → What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is ideal for holding the cheese sauce while baking, but small pasta shapes like shells or penne can also work well.
- → How do I get the chicken smoky flavor?
Using smoked paprika in the seasoning and a rich barbecue sauce provides that classic smoky taste to the chicken topping.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. Allow extra baking time if baking cold.
- → What cheese blend is used?
A combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy, flavorful sauce with a slight tang and gooey texture.
- → How to make the topping crispy?
Mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and extra cheddar adds a crunchy, golden crust after baking.
- → Are there recommended variations?
Try adding sautéed onions or jalapeños for extra kick, or substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.