Save A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family, friendly casserole.
I first made this mac & cheese with BBQ chicken for a special weekend dinner, and it quickly became a requested
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
- Prep & Oven:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Pasta:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes, then shred. Toss with barbecue sauce.
- Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground mustard until melted and smooth.
- Assemble:
- Combine macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into baking dish. Top evenly with BBQ chicken.
- Topping:
- Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle on top, followed by extra cheddar.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save This is the dish my family always asks for on game nights. It's a simple meal that brings everyone to the table, no matter how busy we are.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, saucepan, baking dish (9x13-inch), whisk, and mixing bowls are all you need.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten). Double check BBQ sauce and cheese labels for hidden allergens that may include soy or eggs.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains around 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein.
Save Enjoy every bite while it's warm and bubbling. This mac & cheese always brings smiles to our dinner table.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for quicker preparation; simply shred and toss in barbecue sauce.
- → What cheese works best for the sauce?
Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan combine for creamy texture and depth of flavor in the sauce.
- → How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Melted butter mixed with panko breadcrumbs and cheddar ensures a golden, crunchy baked topping.
- → Is it possible to prepare ahead?
Assemble the dish one day in advance, refrigerate, then bake fresh before serving for optimal texture.
- → What sides pair well with this meal?
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables balance the richness and add freshness to the plate.
- → Can I add more vegetables?
Sautéed onions or jalapeños can be mixed in or layered with the chicken for extra flavor and crunch.