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 recipe became a staple after a busy weeknight when I wanted something both hearty and easy to assemble. The combination of tangy barbecue chicken with classic mac and cheese was an instant hit at my kitchen 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

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.

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).

Add 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.

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 & Serve:

Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Save

My kids always ask for seconds when this dish hits the table. It brings our family together for a cozy dinner, and leftovers never last long.

Required Tools

Large pot, skillet, saucepan, baking dish, 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). Always check labels for allergens.

Nutritional Information

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

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This mac and cheese with barbecue chicken is sure to become a favorite in your weeknight rotation. Simple, comforting, and delicious every time.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is preferred for its shape and ability to hold the cheese sauce well.

→ Can I use other cheeses in the sauce?

Yes, adding different sharp cheeses like gouda or fontina can enhance the flavor profile.

→ How do I achieve a smoky flavor in the chicken?

Season chicken with smoked paprika and use a smoky barbecue sauce for an authentic taste.

→ Is it possible to prepare this in advance?

Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate before baking. Bake just before serving.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables offer a nice balance to the richness.