Save 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.
Save 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.