Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Chicken and mac and cheese it’s a classic flavor combination that has stood the test of time. This beloved dish has become a staple in households across the country, offering a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience.
What makes this chicken and mac and cheese recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of tender, juicy chicken and creamy, cheesy macaroni that creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The best part? It can be whipped up in a matter of minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
There’s a lot to love about this chicken and mac and cheese dish. For starters, it’s a true comfort food classic that’s been given a modern twist. The combination of perfectly cooked chicken and velvety mac and cheese creates a delightful contrast of flavors and textures that will have you coming back for seconds.
But beyond its delicious taste, this recipe is also incredibly accessible. The ingredients are mostly pantry staples, making it easy to whip up on a whim. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it to your liking by adding your favorite veggies or experimenting with different cheese blends. And if you’re looking to get ahead, the mac and cheese component can be made in advance and easily reheated when you’re ready to serve.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Chicken and Mac and Cheese ❓
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
The beauty of this chicken and mac and cheese is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken and creamy, cheesy macaroni creates the comfort food-inspired flavor profile that has made this dish a perennially popular choice.
📝 How to Make Chicken and Mac and Cheese Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, whisk the flour into the butter until a roux forms. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 35 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes
Compared to traditional baked mac and cheese, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this chicken and mac and cheese recipe saves you 10% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 814mg
These chicken and mac and cheese provide approximately 50% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily calcium needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute the elbow macaroni with a low-carb pasta alternative, such as zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the cheese and milk with plant-based alternatives, such as cashew cheese or unsweetened almond milk.
• Added protein: Add extra protein by incorporating grilled or baked chicken breasts, or swap in cooked ground turkey or lean ground beef.
• Boost vegetables: Increase the nutritional value by stirring in steamed broccoli, diced bell peppers, or sautéed spinach during the final step.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the chicken and mac and cheese.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed asparagus for a nutrient-packed pairing.
• Complement the dish with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a well-rounded dining experience.
• For a family-style meal, serve the chicken and mac and cheese alongside a hearty Caesar salad and garlic knots.
• Create a comforting appetizer platter with small portions of the chicken and mac and cheese, accompanied by sliced fresh fruit and crunchy vegetable sticks.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not letting the cheese sauce thicken: It’s important to allow the cheese sauce to simmer and thicken before adding the cooked pasta and chicken. This helps create a rich, creamy consistency.
• Skimping on the seasoning: Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to enhance the flavors of the chicken and cheese sauce.
• Forgetting to bake the dish: The final baking step helps meld the flavors and creates a beautiful golden-brown crust on top of the mac and cheese.
• Overcrowding the baking dish: Make sure to use a dish that’s large enough to accommodate the chicken, pasta, and cheese sauce without overcrowding, which can prevent even cooking.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These chicken and mac and cheese retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked dish to cool completely, then cover and freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Reheating: When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and mac and cheese in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated to your desired temperature.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the mac and cheese component in advance?
Absolutely! The mac and cheese can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply bake the dish as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Can I substitute a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheese blends to suit your taste preferences. Try using a combination of cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, or even gouda for a unique twist on the classic. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cheese to maintain the desired creaminess.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make this dish dairy-free by substituting the milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Look for unsweetened almond or oat milk, and use a high-quality dairy-free cheese shreds or a homemade cashew-based cheese sauce.
Why is my mac and cheese turning out dry or gritty?
If your mac and cheese is turning out dry or gritty, it’s likely due to overcooking the pasta or not allowing the cheese sauce to thicken properly. Be sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully and let the sauce simmer until it reaches a creamy, velvety consistency before adding the pasta.
Can I add extra veggies or proteins to this recipe?
Absolutely! This chicken and mac and cheese recipe is highly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite add-ins. Consider stirring in steamed broccoli, diced bell peppers, or sautéed spinach for a nutrition boost. You can also increase the protein by incorporating grilled or baked chicken, ground turkey, or even cooked bacon.
Conclusion
These chicken and mac and cheese represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting weeknight meal or a satisfying dish for a gathering with friends and family, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these chicken and mac and cheese demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So, the next time you’re craving a classic comfort food favorite, give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful combination of tender chicken and creamy, cheesy macaroni.
Print
Chicken and Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
• Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Step 3: In the same skillet, whisk the flour into the butter until a roux forms. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
• Step 4: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Cuisine: Americans
Keywords: Chicken and Mac and Cheese
