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 on a rainy weekend and it instantly became a requested dinner in our house. The combination of rich, cheesy pasta and smoky barbecue chicken always brings everyone to the table with smiles.
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 & 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.
- Cook 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 and 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).
- Add Cheese & Seasonings:
- 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 cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This dish became a go-to for us on busy school nights when everyone needs a warm meal but we want big flavors and easy cleanup. There's nothing better than watching the kids rush back for seconds before it's even cooled.
Notes
Substitute with different cheeses like gouda or Gruyère for a new flavor profile. Add sautéed onions or jalapeños if your family likes a little heat.
Allergen Information
Contains milk and wheat (gluten). Check cheese, pasta, and BBQ sauce labels if you have egg or soy sensitivities.
Nutritional Information
Each serving contains about 610 calories, 27 g total fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein.
Save This creamy and satisfying bake is sure to bring the family together. Leftovers reheat beautifully - if you have any left!