# 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 elbow macaroni according to 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 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest 5 minutes, then shred with forks. Toss with barbecue sauce and set aside.
04 - Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
05 - Remove sauce from heat. Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and ground mustard until smooth and cheese melts.
06 - Mix cooked macaroni with cheese sauce. Transfer to prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
07 - Evenly distribute shredded BBQ chicken on top of macaroni and cheese mixture.
08 - Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle mixture over casserole, followed by extra shredded cheddar cheese.
09 - Bake uncovered for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
