Pin A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.
This classic mac & cheese with BBQ chicken quickly became a favorite at our family dinners and brings everyone back for seconds
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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
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Instructions
- Preheat:
- 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 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:
- 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 Sharing this meal has created many joyful family moments filled with laughter and delicious memories
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Nutritional Information
Per serving contains 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein.
Allergen Information
Contains Milk (dairy) and Wheat (gluten). May contain Eggs and soy depending on ingredients used.
Tips for Serving
Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. Leftovers reheat well for a quick meal.
Pin 
This classic mac & cheese with BBQ chicken recipe guarantees comfort and smiles at every bite
Recipe Q&A
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the cheese sauce well and provides a classic texture.
- → Can the barbecue chicken be prepared ahead?
Yes, cooking and shredding the chicken in advance and tossing it with barbecue sauce saves time during assembly.
- → How is the cheese sauce thickened?
Butter and flour are whisked together to create a roux, then combined with milk and melted cheeses for a creamy consistency.
- → What adds the smoky flavor in this dish?
Smoked paprika in both the cheese sauce and chicken seasoning imparts a subtle smoky depth.
- → Is there a crispy element in the casserole?
A topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and extra cheddar cheese creates a golden, crunchy crust when baked.
