# Ingredients:
→ 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
# Instructions:
01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni in a large pot according to package directions until just al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium. Season chicken breasts with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook 6–7 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked. Rest for 5 minutes, then shred using two forks. Mix shredded chicken with barbecue sauce in a bowl and set aside.
04 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard until the cheese fully melts and sauce is silky.
05 - Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and gently mix until well coated. Pour mixture evenly into prepared baking dish.
06 - Distribute the barbecue chicken evenly over macaroni mixture in baking dish.
07 - Combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the top, followed by shredded cheddar cheese.
08 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, until top is golden and the casserole bubbles. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving for optimal texture.
