Classic Mac Cheese BBQ Chicken

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

This recipe quickly became a favorite in our house. Every time I make it, I remember sharing laughter in the kitchen as the cheesy sauce bubbled away and the kids eagerly waited to help top off the casserole.

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

Preheat & Prep:

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:

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.

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).

Mix in Cheese & Seasonings:

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.

Add Topping:

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top, followed by extra cheddar.

Bake & Serve:

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

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This mac & cheese casserole is always the centerpiece at my family dinners. Watching everyone dig in reminds me of cozy weekend gatherings and the irresistible comfort of sharing a homemade meal.

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). Always check product labels.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories: 610, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 36 g

Save

Each bite of mac & cheese with BBQ chicken brings classic comfort and bold taste together. Enjoy this hearty dish with loved ones for a memorable meal.

Recipe Questions

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the creamy cheese sauce well and bakes evenly.

→ Can I use different cheeses in the sauce?

Yes, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan blend well, but feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses for varied flavor.

→ How can I add extra flavor to the barbecue chicken?

Seasoning the chicken with smoked paprika and black pepper enhances the smoky taste, and choosing a barbecue sauce with your preferred spice level adds depth.

→ Is there a way to make this dish quicker?

Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken in place of fresh cooking reduces prep time without sacrificing taste.

→ What side dishes complement this casserole?

A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables balance the richness and add freshness to the meal.