Classic Mac Cheese BBQ Chicken

A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.

This mac & cheese with BBQ chicken first became a favorite during our weekly Sunday gatherings. It always disappears quickly, and everyone asks for seconds.

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

Prepare Oven and Dish:

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.

Make 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.

Prepare 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.

Assemble Casserole:

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.

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Sharing this casserole around the dinner table is always a highlight. My kids love helping with the breadcrumb topping, and those cheesy bites never fail to make everyone smile.

Required Tools

Large pot, skillet, saucepan, baking dish (9x13-inch), whisk, mixing bowls

Allergen Information

Contains: Milk (dairy), Wheat (gluten). May contain: Eggs (if using certain pasta), soy (if present in BBQ sauce or cheese). Double-check labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 610, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 59 g, Protein 36 g

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This mac & cheese casserole makes any night feel special. Enjoy the creamy, smoky flavors with your favorite side salad.

Recipe Questions

→ What cheeses should I use?

Sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan give the sauce its creamy, tangy flavor and luscious texture.

→ Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken works well. Simply shred and toss in barbecue sauce before layering.

→ How do I get a crispy topping?

Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and cheddar create a golden, crunchy finish after baking.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can assemble, cool, and freeze before baking. Thaw and bake as directed for best results.

→ What sides pair well?

Serve with a fresh green salad or steamed veggies to balance the richness of the casserole.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness?

Use spicy barbecue sauce or add jalapeños to the dish for extra heat per your taste preference.