Save A comforting blend of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with smoky barbecue chicken for the ultimate family-friendly casserole.
I first put this together for a weekend gathering, and my family was instantly hooked. The contrast between the cheesy pasta and barbecue chicken made it an instant favorite on our 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:
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 22x33 cm (9x13-inch) baking dish.
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook 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 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 and 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).
- Add Cheese:
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard. Mix 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, sprinkle over the top followed by cheddar cheese.
- Bake:
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This dish brings everyone together at our dinner table. My kids always ask for seconds, and guests rave about how tender the BBQ chicken is paired with the cheesy noodles.
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 Enjoy this classic comfort casserole with your favorite salad, and watch it disappear from the table!
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the cheese sauce well and bakes evenly in the casserole.
- → Can I use other cheeses for the sauce?
Yes, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan combine for flavor and creaminess, but you can experiment with similar melting cheeses.
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays moist?
Cook chicken breasts gently with olive oil and seasoning, then shred and toss with barbecue sauce to keep them tender and flavorful.
- → Is the topping necessary?
The buttery panko and extra cheddar topping adds a crunchy texture contrast to the creamy casserole but can be omitted if preferred.
- → Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?
Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate. Bake it shortly before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- → Are there variations to the barbecue sauce used?
Yes, you can use smoky, sweet, or spicy barbecue sauces depending on your taste preferences to alter the flavor profile.