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 made this classic mac & cheese with BBQ chicken on a rainy weekend when my family was craving something simple and hearty. The smoky barbecue flavor paired with the creamy cheese sauce made it an instant repeat request at home.

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

Wash produce, prep ingredients, rinse cookware, and streamline cooking tasks with an all-in-one sink workstation.

Check price on Amazon

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 to 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:

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). 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

This recipe is always a hit for Sunday dinner at our place, especially when we gather around the table and share stories over heaping servings of cheesy goodness.

Required Tools

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

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Notes

Substitute rotisserie chicken for a quicker version. Use your favorite style of barbecue sauce and try adding sauteed onions or jalapenos for extra flavor. Serve with a crisp green salad for balance.

Save

Mix doughs, batters, and whipped cream easily for baking cakes, cookies, and everyday treats.

Check price on Amazon

This dish brings together creamy comfort and smoky flavor in every bite. It's the perfect weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

Recipe FAQ

→ What type of pasta works best?

Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the creamy cheese sauce well and bakes evenly in this dish.

→ Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works well and speeds up preparation without sacrificing flavor.

→ How do I achieve a smoky flavor?

Smoked paprika adds subtle smokiness to both the cheese sauce and chicken, enhancing the barbecue notes.

→ What is the purpose of the panko topping?

The panko breadcrumb topping adds a crispy, buttery crust that contrasts nicely with the creamy layers beneath.

→ Can I customize the cheese blend?

Yes, a combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a balanced, rich sauce but you can adjust according to taste.