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.

Butter and flour are whisked together to create a roux, then combined with milk and melted cheeses for a creamy consistency.

Smoked paprika in both the cheese sauce and chicken seasoning imparts a subtle smoky depth.

A topping of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and extra cheddar cheese creates a golden, crunchy crust when baked.

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

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

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.

Sharing this meal has created many joyful family moments filled with laughter and delicious memories

Per serving contains 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein.

Contains Milk (dairy) and Wheat (gluten). May contain Eggs and soy depending on ingredients used.

Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish. Leftovers reheat well for a quick meal.

This classic mac & cheese with BBQ chicken recipe guarantees comfort and smiles at every bite

→ 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.