Save A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.
I first made this dish on a rainy weekend when the kids wanted something comforting. The combination of BBQ chicken and classic mac & cheese became an instant hit at our 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
- Prep the dish:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Boil pasta:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook about 6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove from heat, let rest 5 minutes, then shred with two forks. Toss shredded chicken with barbecue sauce.
- Prepare cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Finish sauce:
- 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:
- Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into baking dish. Evenly top with BBQ chicken.
- Add topping:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top, followed by extra cheddar.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save We always share laughter around the dinner table when I serve this mac & cheese with BBQ chicken. It brings everyone together and disappears fast!
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 using certain pasta) and soy (if present in BBQ sauce or cheese). Always check product labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, 36 g protein.
Save Dig into this classic, baked comfort food and enjoy the blend of creamy cheese and smoky BBQ chicken. It makes the perfect family dinner any night of the week!
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal due to its shape, which holds the cheese sauce well, providing a creamy texture in every bite.
- → Can the barbecue chicken be prepared in advance?
Yes, cooking and shredding the chicken ahead allows flavors to meld and makes assembly quicker.
- → Is smoked paprika essential in this preparation?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the barbecue flavors but can be omitted if unavailable.
- → What alternatives exist for the breadcrumb topping?
Panko breadcrumbs provide a light crunch, but crushed crackers or cornflakes can also be used for added texture.
- → How can this dish be made spicier?
Adding jalapeños or a spicier barbecue sauce will enhance the heat without overpowering the creamy base.
- → What side dishes pair well with this casserole?
Fresh green salads or steamed vegetables offer a refreshing balance to the rich, cheesy casserole.