Classic Mac Cheese BBQ Chicken

A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.

My family always lights up when this mac & cheese lands on the table. Everyone loves the combo of cheesy pasta with tangy chicken, and it is a guaranteed hit at potlucks.

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

Prepare Oven & Dish:

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.

Cook Macaroni:

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make 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; set aside.

Prepare 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 Cheeses & Season:

Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.

Combine & Assemble:

Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into prepared baking dish. Evenly top with BBQ chicken.

Prepare 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.

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This casserole is perfect for casual weekend dinners when we all want something cozy and satisfying together. The leftovers make an amazing next-day lunch.

Required Tools

Large pot, skillet, saucepan, baking dish (9x13-inch), whisk, mixing bowls

Allergen Information

Contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten). May contain eggs (if pasta includes them), soy (in BBQ sauce or cheese). Always double-check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, 36 g protein

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This classic comfort food always delivers big smiles and full bellies. Enjoy every scrumptious bite at your next family meal.

Recipe FAQ

→ What cheeses are ideal for the sauce?

Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan create a rich, creamy texture and balanced flavor in the cheese sauce.

→ How can I ensure the macaroni cooks perfectly?

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken for convenience?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover chicken can be shredded and mixed with barbecue sauce for a quicker preparation.

→ What type of barbecue sauce works best?

Choose a smoky, sweet, or spicy barbecue sauce depending on your preferred flavor profile to complement the creamy base.

→ How do I achieve a crispy topping?

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole topped with extra shredded cheddar, then bake until golden.

→ Are there optional seasonings to enhance flavor?

Smoked paprika and ground mustard can be added to the sauce and chicken for additional depth and subtle spice.