chicken and mac and cheese

The aroma of melting cheese mingles with tender pieces of chicken, creating a symphony of comfort that calls you home. Picture the golden crust on top, promising a rich depth of flavor while the creamy sauce envelops every morsel in cheesy goodness.

This dish has been a staple at many family gatherings where laughter fills the air as everyone digs in. I still remember when my niece declared it “the best thing ever” after her first bite—a proud moment for any cook!

One time, I attempted to impress my in-laws with this dish; needless to say, they were impressed—and I think they secretly wished for leftovers!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Elbow Macaroni: These little pasta shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully—perfect for a comforting bite.
• Boneless Chicken Breasts: I recommend using 3-4 breasts; adjust based on your crowd’s appetite.
• Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for an extra kick of flavor that’ll make your taste buds sing.
• Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess; it helps achieve that velvety texture we all crave.
• Butter: A must-have for richness; it adds depth to the sauce while keeping it luscious.
• Flour: Essential for thickening the sauce, giving it that perfect creamy consistency.
• Seasoning (Salt & Pepper): Don’t skip these; they elevate the overall flavor profile immensely.
• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle adds aromatic warmth that enhances every bite.
• Paprika: Just a dash brings color and a subtle smoky undertone to your dish.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Once boiling, add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions.

Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until golden brown—about 6-8 minutes.

Create the Cheese Sauce: In another pot, melt more butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook until bubbly but not browned—about 1 minute.

Add Milk & Cheese: Gradually pour in milk while whisking constantly until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar until melted into gooey goodness—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Combine Everything!: Drain pasta once cooked al dente. Mix pasta with the sautéed chicken in a large bowl before pouring over the cheesy sauce—stir until every noodle is coated.

Bake It**: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheddar on top if you’re feeling indulgent! Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly.

And there you have it—a mouthwatering chicken and mac and cheese that will have everyone singing your praises! Enjoy each bite filled with cheesy goodness along with tender chicken pieces. Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This method ensures everything finishes at the same time, leading to perfectly cooked ingredients.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cheeses based on your preference or add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients. Customize spices according to your taste for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to retain creaminess.

Cooking this chicken and mac and cheese recipe became a fun bonding experience with my niece, who still talks about her cheesy masterpiece every family gathering.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

What types of cheese work best?

Cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère are excellent choices for a rich flavor profile.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using whole grain pasta and adding more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.

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Creamy Chicken and Mac and Cheese Recipe

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Indulge in this creamy chicken and mac and cheese, a comforting dish that blends tender chicken with rich cheese sauce and al dente pasta—perfect for family gatherings or weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni
• Boneless chicken breasts
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Whole milk
• Butter
• Flour
• Salt & pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

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Instructions

1. Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, according to package instructions; drain.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
3. In a separate pot, melt butter for the cheese sauce. Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted.
5. Combine drained pasta with sautéed chicken, then pour the cheese sauce over it. Mix until evenly coated.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish; top with extra cheddar if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg