Classic Mac Cheese BBQ Chicken

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

I first served this classic mac & cheese with BBQ chicken to my family and they couldn't get enough of the creamy, smoky flavors all combined in one dish.

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.

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This dish always brings our family together for a cozy meal and plenty of laughter around the table.

Notes

Add sautéed onions or jalapeños for extra flavor

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).

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This classic mac & cheese with BBQ chicken is sure to become a new family favorite after just one bite.

Recipe FAQ

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the cheese sauce well and ensures an even bake.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken can be substituted to save time while maintaining flavor.

→ How do I achieve the perfect cheese sauce consistency?

Gradually whisk warm milk into the roux until thickened, then melt in the cheeses off heat to avoid separation.

→ What variations can enhance the smoky flavor?

Adding smoked paprika and using your preferred smoky barbecue sauce intensifies the flavor profile.

→ Is it possible to add extra vegetables?

Yes, sautéed onions or jalapeños can be added for a flavor boost and slight texture contrast.