Pin it A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.
This has become a go to dish for family dinners especially when we want something hearty and satisfying.
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 oven:
- 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
- Cook 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)
- Add cheese:
- 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 and 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:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Pin it Making this dish has created some wonderful family memories around our dinner table.
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
Nutritional Information
Calories: 610 Total Fat: 27 g Carbohydrates: 59 g Protein: 36 g
Pin it This classic mac and cheese with BBQ chicken is perfect for any occasion and brings comfort to the table.
Common Questions
- → What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is ideal for holding the cheese sauce well, but small shells or penne can also be used.
- → Can the cheese sauce be made ahead?
Yes, prepare the cheese sauce in advance and gently reheat it before combining with pasta to save time.
- → What kind of BBQ sauce is recommended?
Choose your favorite style, whether smoky, spicy, or sweet, to complement the chicken flavor.
- → How to achieve a crisp topping?
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole, then bake until golden for a crunchy texture.
- → Are there any good add-ins for extra flavor?
Sautéed onions or jalapenos can be added to the cheese sauce or topping for an additional flavor dimension.