Classic Mac Cheese BBQ Chicken (Printable version)

Creamy macaroni with smoky barbecue chicken, finished with a golden breadcrumb topping for extra crunch.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 14 oz elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

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

→ BBQ Chicken

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

→ Topping

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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni in a large pot following package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook each breast for 6–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then shred with two forks. Toss shredded chicken with barbecue sauce and set aside.
04 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, then stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
05 - Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce in a large bowl. Transfer to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
06 - Distribute BBQ chicken evenly across the macaroni mixture.
07 - Combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a bowl. Sprinkle mixture over the casserole along with shredded cheddar cheese.
08 - Bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden and cheese is bubbling. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Easy prep with everyday pantry and fridge staples
  • Creamy cheese sauce and golden baked finish
  • Smoky barbecue chicken adds savory depth
  • Feeds a family and makes great leftovers
  • Kid approved and perfect for entertaining
02 -
  • High protein meal with satisfying portions
  • Cheese sauce is rich but not heavy
  • Can be made ahead for busy nights
  • Kid friendly and adaptable to spicy tastes
03 -
  • Use blocks of cheese and grate fresh It melts silkier and tastes brighter than pre shredded cheese
  • Shred chicken with two forks for perfect texture and even barbecue coating
  • Do not rush the cheese sauce Cook it slowly and whisk well so it turns glossy and lump free

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