Save A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.
This dish has become a favorite in our household for its rich flavor and ease of preparation.
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
- Step 1:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Step 2:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- While pasta cooks, 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.
- Step 4:
- For the 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).
- Step 5:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar mozzarella Parmesan salt pepper smoked paprika and ground mustard until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Step 6:
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into prepared baking dish. Evenly top with BBQ chicken.
- Step 7:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top followed by extra cheddar.
- Step 8:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save Our family loves gathering around this dish especially on chilly evenings making lasting memories.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Variations
Add sautéed onions or jalapeños for extra flavor or swap cheeses to customize your mac and cheese.
Save This classic mac and cheese with BBQ chicken is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and simple to prepare.
Recipe FAQ
- → How do I achieve a creamy cheese sauce?
Slowly whisking milk into a roux made from butter and flour helps avoid lumps, creating a smooth, creamy sauce that blends well with shredded cheeses.
- → Can I use other types of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes, short pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells work well to hold the cheese sauce and blend nicely with the chicken topping.
- → What is the best way to cook the chicken for maximum flavor?
Searing seasoned chicken breasts in olive oil until cooked through, then shredding and tossing with barbecue sauce enhances smoky, savory notes.
- → How can I make the topping crispy and golden?
Mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling on top before baking results in a deliciously crunchy, golden crust.
- → Are there options to add extra flavor or spice?
Incorporating smoked paprika in the cheese sauce or adding jalapeños sautéed with the chicken can add smoky depth and mild heat.