Save A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.
I remember the first time I combined BBQ chicken and mac & cheese at a family gathering. Everyone went back for seconds and there were no leftovers in sight. This recipe has become a staple every time we crave something cozy yet exciting for dinner.
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 & Pan:
- 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 BBQ Chicken:
- 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.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- 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).
- Finish Sauce:
- 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 & Layer:
- 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.
Save This dish was a hit at our last family movie night. The kids loved the gooey cheese and sweet barbecue flavor while adults enjoyed the smoky twist and crunchy topping. It's a new comfort food favorite for all ages.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or some roasted broccoli for extra freshness. It's delicious as leftovers too – just reheat and enjoy for lunch the next day.
Customization Ideas
Add sautéed onions, jalapeños, or swap in rotisserie chicken for a faster prep. Use your favorite BBQ sauce to make it smoky, sweet, or spicy to suit your family's taste.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten). Some pasta, BBQ sauces, or cheeses may include eggs or soy – always check labels if you have allergies.
Save This mac & cheese is the ultimate comfort food with an unexpected BBQ twist. It’s sure to become a new family favorite casserole everyone will request again and again.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal due to its size and shape, which holds the cheese sauce well and bakes evenly.
- → Can I use leftover chicken instead of cooking fresh breasts?
Yes, shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken can replace freshly cooked chicken to save time.
- → How can I make the cheese sauce thicker?
Cook the butter and flour mixture until lightly golden to form a roux before gradually adding milk. Stir constantly to avoid lumps, achieving a thicker sauce.
- → Is smoked paprika necessary in this dish?
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the barbecue chicken but can be omitted based on preference.
- → What is the best way to achieve a crispy topping?
Mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkling them atop the casserole before baking results in a golden, crunchy crust.