Save A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.
This recipe is always a hit during our weekend gatherings. The creamy cheese sauce paired with BBQ chicken makes everyone go back 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 the baking 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 chicken:
- 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, then shred and toss with barbecue sauce.
- Make cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard until cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine and assemble:
- Mix pasta with cheese sauce and pour into prepared dish. Top with BBQ chicken.
- Add topping:
- Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole, followed by cheddar.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save The first time we made this, the cheesy aroma brought the whole family to the table before it was even out of the oven. It's now a regular request for birthday dinners.
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
Calories: 610, Total Fat: 27 g, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 36 g per serving
Save This hearty casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and makes fantastic leftovers. Enjoy with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni holds the cheese sauce well and bakes evenly, making it ideal for this dish.
- → Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, shredded cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken can be substituted to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- → How to get a creamy cheese sauce?
Whisking flour into melted butter creates a roux that thickens the milk as cheese melts in, producing a smooth, creamy sauce.
- → What barbecue sauce varieties suit this dish?
Smoky, spicy, or sweet barbecue sauces all complement the rich cheese base and tender chicken well.
- → Can I add extra flavors?
Sautéed onions or jalapeños add a nice depth and mild heat without overpowering the main ingredients.