Cheesy macaroni paired with smoky BBQ chicken, baked with a crisp, buttery topping for comfort-filled dining.
# Components:
→ 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 sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
06 - 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
07 - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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 cheddar cheese, shredded
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil macaroni in salted water according to package instructions 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. Sear each side for 6-7 minutes until cooked through. Rest for 5 minutes, then shred the chicken using two forks. Toss shredded chicken in barbecue sauce and set aside.
04 - Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and mix in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard until the cheeses are melted and sauce is velvety.
05 - Fold drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
06 - Spread the barbecue chicken evenly over the macaroni and cheese mixture.
07 - In a bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole, followed by extra shredded cheddar cheese.
08 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
