Pin A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.
This classic mac & cheese with BBQ chicken quickly became a family favorite as soon as I served it. The rich flavors always bring smiles to the dinner table.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- 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 set aside.
- Step 4:
- For the 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).
- Step 5:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar mozzarella Parmesan salt pepper smoked paprika and ground mustard until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Step 6:
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into prepared baking dish. Evenly top with BBQ chicken.
- Step 7:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top followed by extra cheddar.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pin Sharing this dish with my family always creates warm memories and plenty of laughter around the dinner table.
Notes
Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version. Use your favorite style of barbecue sauce (smoky spicy or sweet). Add sautéed onions or jalapeños for extra flavor. Serve with a crisp green salad for balance.
Required Tools
Large pot skillet saucepan baking dish (9x13-inch) whisk mixing bowls
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (dairy) Wheat (gluten). May contain Eggs (if using certain pasta) soy (if present in BBQ sauce or cheese). Double-check labels for hidden allergens.
Pin This delicious casserole makes for a hearty comforting meal that everyone will enjoy. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is used for its ability to hold the creamy cheese sauce well, but other small pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi can work too.
- → How can I make the cheese sauce smooth and creamy?
Whisk the flour and butter into a roux, then gradually add warm milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Melt cheeses slowly into the sauce off the heat for a velvety texture.
- → Can I prepare the BBQ chicken ahead of time?
Yes, cook and shred the chicken in advance, then toss it with barbecue sauce before layering over the macaroni and cheese during assembly.
- → What are some flavor variations for this dish?
Try adding smoked paprika or ground mustard to the cheese sauce for depth, or include sautéed onions and jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- → How should I bake the casserole for best results?
Bake at 180°C (350°F) until the topping is golden and the cheese sauce is bubbling, usually around 20 minutes, then let it rest to set before serving.