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 weekend family dinner, and everyone came back for seconds. It's a warm, satisfying dish that always disappears fast at the table.
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 the Oven & Dish:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare BBQ 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 until cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, shred with two forks, and toss with barbecue sauce.
- 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 the 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 & Layer:
- Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and transfer to prepared baking dish. Top evenly with BBQ chicken.
- Add Topping:
- Blend panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle over casserole, then add remaining cheddar.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save My kids claim this as the best 'dinner ever'. Sometimes we make the chicken extra smoky if Grandpa is at the table because he loves bold flavors.
Required Tools
Large pot, skillet, saucepan, baking dish (9x13-inch), whisk, mixing bowls
Allergen Information
Includes milk and wheat. Check for eggs or soy in BBQ sauce and pasta if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 610 calories, 27 g fat, 59 g carbohydrates, 36 g protein
Save This mac & cheese with BBQ chicken is comfort food elevated. Bake extra to enjoy leftovers the next day.
Cooking Guide
- → What pasta is best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the cheese sauce well and creates a classic texture.
- → How can I make the cheese sauce smooth?
Whisk butter and flour until bubbly, then add milk gradually while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- → Can I prepare the BBQ chicken in advance?
Yes, cook and shred the chicken ahead, then toss with sauce just before layering.
- → What variations add extra flavor?
Adding sautéed onions, jalapeños, or using different barbecue sauce styles can enhance the dish's depth.
- → How do I get a crispy topping?
Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top, then bake until golden and crispy.