Classic Mac Cheese BBQ Chicken (Printable)

A comforting casserole of creamy macaroni and smoky barbecue chicken baked to golden perfection.

# What you need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 3 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 3 cups whole milk
05 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 1/2 tsp salt
09 - 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
10 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
11 - 1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional)

→ BBQ Chicken

12 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
13 - 1 tbsp olive oil
14 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 tsp salt
16 - 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
17 - 2/3 cup barbecue sauce

→ Topping

18 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
19 - 1 tbsp melted butter
20 - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

# How to make it:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, shred with forks, and toss with barbecue sauce.
04 - In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
05 - Remove sauce from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard until smooth.
06 - Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and transfer to the prepared baking dish. Evenly distribute the BBQ chicken on top.
07 - Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle over chicken, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
08 - Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbly. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing main dish
  • Makes a hearty one-dish meal with creamy and smoky flavors
02 -
  • Can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time
  • Always double-check labels for allergens in pasta, sauce, and cheese
03 -
  • Sauté onions or jalapeños for extra flavor
  • Let casserole rest before serving so slices hold together
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