Save A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.
This recipe became an instant hit at our weekend get-together. It's now my go-to for potlucks because everyone asks 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
- Prep Baking Dish:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish
- Cook Macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside
- Prepare BBQ Chicken:
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Season chicken 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. Toss with barbecue sauce and set aside
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in large saucepan. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes)
- Add Cheese and Seasoning:
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth
- Combine and Assemble:
- Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and pour into prepared baking dish. Top evenly with BBQ chicken
- Add Topping:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over casserole, followed by extra cheddar
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes (until golden and bubbling). Let rest for 5 minutes before serving
Save Our kids love scooping cheesy noodles and tender barbecue chicken together at the table, making dinner a fun family tradition every time
Required Tools
You'll need a large pot, skillet, saucepan, baking dish (9x13-inch), whisk, and mixing bowls for this recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains milk and wheat. Double-check products for hidden allergens like eggs or soy depending on brand choices.
Nutritional Information
Each serving includes approximately 610 calories, 27 g fat, 59 g carbohydrates, and 36 g protein.
Save This casserole is perfect for sharing and even better as leftovers. Enjoy the blend of creamy cheese and BBQ flavors with every bite!
Recipe FAQ Section
- → How do you achieve a smooth cheese sauce?
Whisk flour into melted butter and cook briefly before gradually adding milk. Stir constantly until thickened, then melt in the cheeses off the heat for a creamy texture.
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni holds sauce well and maintains a tender bite, making it ideal for creamy baked dishes like this one.
- → Can different barbecue sauces be used?
Yes, you can use smoky, spicy, or sweet barbecue sauces to tailor the flavor profile to your liking.
- → What is the purpose of panko breadcrumbs topping?
Panko adds a crunchy, golden crust that contrasts nicely with the creamy cheese and tender chicken underneath.
- → How can I make this dish quicker?
Using shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts reduces prep time significantly while maintaining great flavor.