Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender bites of chicken, this Chicken Mac and Cheese is comfort food at its finest! Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something cozy for the weekend, this dish delivers on flavor with a rich cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Add in some seasoned chicken for extra heartiness, and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love.
Chicken Mac and Cheese
Why This Chicken Mac and Cheese Is the Best
- Creamy Cheese Sauce: The rich and velvety cheese sauce coats every bite of macaroni, making it irresistibly creamy.
- Tender Chicken Pieces: Juicy, seasoned chicken adds a hearty and satisfying element to the dish.
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is straightforward and can be made in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: You can customize this dish with your favorite cheeses or add-ins like vegetables.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or simply craving some comfort food, Chicken Mac and Cheese is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Half and half: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce, giving it a smooth, velvety texture.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory depth of flavor, complementing the chicken and balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Chicken bouillon cube: Intensifies the chicken flavor in the sauce, adding a boost of savory seasoning.
- Hot sauce: Adds a subtle kick of heat, enhancing the overall flavor without overpowering it.
- Mustard powder: Adds a slight tanginess, which helps to cut through the richness of the cheese and enhances the sauce’s flavor.
- Onion powder, garlic powder, parsley: These spices and herbs bring aromatic and savory notes to the sauce, adding layers of flavor.
- Paprika and pepper: Paprika adds warmth and a slight smokiness, while the pepper gives a mild heat to the sauce.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Provides lean protein, and when seasoned and cooked, adds a savory element that complements the creamy mac and cheese.
- Salt/pepper (to taste): Used to season the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
- Olive oil: Helps to brown the chicken, adding flavor and a slight crispness to the exterior.
Chicken broth: Keeps the chicken moist while adding extra flavor during the cooking process. - Butter: Forms the base of the roux for the cheese sauce, adding richness and a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Flour: Combined with butter to create a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce to a creamy, smooth texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The main cheese in the dish, providing a sharp, creamy flavor that melts perfectly into the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce, enhancing the depth and richness of the dish.
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh, high-quality chicken and cheese.
- Season Well: Season the chicken and cheese sauce generously for maximum flavor.
- Bake for a Golden Top: If you like a crispy top, bake the mac and cheese until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
- With a Side Salad: Serve Chicken Mac and Cheese with a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Pair it with garlic bread for an extra indulgent dinner.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Add some steamed broccoli or green beans on the side for a nutritious touch.
A Must Try
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Chicken Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade Chicken Mac and Cheese. This dish is the perfect way to treat yourself or your loved ones to something special. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 1 tsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- ½ tsp EACH: onion powder garlic powder, parsley
- ¼ tsp EACH: paprika pepper
- Chicken Pasta, Cheese, etc.
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt/pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 ¾ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ lb. small or medium shells
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by whisking the ingredients together in a large measuring cup with a spout. Set aside for later. Make sure to measure out the remaining ingredients before starting.
- Boil a large pot of salted water for the pasta while working on the following steps.
- Slice the chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner pieces. Cover them with plastic wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound them to about ½ inch thickness.
- Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper after patting it dry.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side, until a golden crust forms. Work in batches if necessary. Set the chicken aside to rest for 10 minutes, then cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- Deglaze the pan by turning off the heat and adding chicken broth. Set the heat to medium, using a silicone spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to enhance the sauce's flavor. Reduce the wine by half, which takes about 4-5 minutes.
- Melt the butter in the skillet, then stir in the flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour loses its raw smell.
- Slowly add the sauce mixture in small splashes, stirring constantly to maintain the sauce’s thickness.
- Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it simmer, partially covered, while you cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions. Stir the sauce occasionally as the pasta cooks, and drain the pasta once done.
- Lower the heat of the sauce and gradually stir in the cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine the pasta and chicken with the sauce, stirring everything together. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce as it sits. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Keep in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
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Chicken Mac and Cheese