There’s something magical about the combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken cordon bleu casserole-with-pasta/”>creamy chicken casserole variation As you stir the pot, the cheese melts into a silky sauce that clings to every morsel, inviting you to dive in with reckless abandon.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
- What cheese works best for mac and cheese?
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I recall the first time I made chicken mac and cheese for my family; it was a chilly Sunday evening. My kids came rushing into the kitchen, lured by the cheesy scent, their faces lighting up like Christmas morning. spicy buffalo chicken twist Moments like these are what make cooking worthwhile—creating delicious memories around the dinner table. delicious garlic chicken option.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This chicken mac and cheese is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The rich, creamy flavor will keep everyone coming back for seconds. Visually appealing with its golden-brown top layer, this dish is sure to impress. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies or spices for an extra kick.[/info_box]
Sharing this meal brought smiles all around—my kids practically licked their plates clean!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 chicken breasts for a hearty meal that’s easy to cook.
Pasta (Macaroni): Elbow macaroni works best; it traps all that cheesy goodness.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds depth; feel free to use a mix of cheeses for added flavor.
Milk: Whole milk ensures creaminess; low-fat works too but may alter texture slightly.
Butter: A must for richness; unsalted butter allows better control over seasoning.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken the sauce for that perfect creamy consistency.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle kick; fresh garlic can be used if desired.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing all flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
Bread Crumbs (Optional): For topping—adds crunch and extra texture when baked.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, usually about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Sauté the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, around 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking continuously until thickened, usually 5 minutes.
Add Cheese & Seasonings: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese along with garlic powder and season with salt and pepper. Continue stirring until cheese melts completely into a creamy sauce.
Combine Everything Together: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and cheese sauce until evenly coated. If using bread crumbs, sprinkle them on top before transferring to a baking dish.
Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. The anticipation will be hard to bear!
Now you’re ready to serve up this delightful dish! Enjoy every gooey bite of your homemade chicken mac and cheese!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This chicken mac and cheese recipe is a game-changer, combining creamy cheese and tender chicken for ultimate comfort food. Customize it with your favorite cheeses or add veggies for a nutritious twist. The irresistible aroma will have everyone flocking to the dinner table! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the sauce for a seamless cooking experience. This ensures everything finishes at the same time and enhances flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients; try different cheeses like Gouda or add vegetables such as broccoli for extra nutrition. Personalizing this dish keeps it exciting every time you make it.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] To avoid clumping, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. For deeper flavor, season the chicken well before cooking. Consider adding a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick! [/info_box]
Cooking this chicken mac and cheese reminds me of cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air while we devoured every cheesy bite.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves you time.
What cheese works best for mac and cheese?
A blend of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella creates the perfect texture and flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it ahead, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for delicious convenience.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheddar, tender chicken, and al dente macaroni for a dish that warms the heart. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will have your family coming back for seconds. With its golden-brown topping and customizable options, this dish not only satisfies hunger but also creates cherished memories around the dinner table.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup bread crumbs for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add macaroni, and cook until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes), then remove from heat.
- Create the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add cheese & seasonings: Stir in cheddar cheese and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper until melted.
- Combine everything: In a bowl, mix cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and cheese sauce until coated. If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs on top before transferring to a baking dish.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
