mac n cheese and chicken recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
mac n cheese and chicken recipe
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The Best mac n cheese and chicken recipe

I’m so excited to share with you one of my family’s favorite recipes – mac n cheese and chicken. This comforting dish is a staple in our household, and I’m sure it will become one in yours too.

The origin of mac n cheese is a bit unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in the United States in the mid-19th century. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that consists of pasta, cheese, and milk or cream, baked together until golden brown and bubbly.

My kids love helping me make this recipe, and they always get excited when they see the cheesy goodness coming out of the oven. As for me, I love how this dish brings people together – whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck at a gathering, mac n cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.

And let’s not forget about the health benefits – using whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese makes this dish a relatively guilt-free option compared to some other comfort foods. In fact, studies have shown that consuming dairy products like cheese can even help support bone health in children.

As for storage and reheating, I like to keep my leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When I’m ready to reheat, I simply pop it in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes until it’s hot and bubbly again.

Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken

Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken

4.9 from 1538 votes

A comforting baked mac and cheese loaded with tender chicken pieces. This dish features a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy breadcrumb topping for a satisfying meal.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 550 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping

1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat, then add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes.
3Drain the pasta and set aside.
4In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter.
5Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
6Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
7Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper.
8Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
9Remove from heat and fold in the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken until evenly coated.
10Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
11In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
12Bake for 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Medium saucepan
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Oven

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 550 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 15g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 40g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 32g

📝Notes

For a crispier topping, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes. Leftover rotisserie chicken works well for this recipe.

Watch Video Of How Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken Works

This mac n cheese and chicken recipe is a staple in our household because it’s easy to make, packed with nutrients, and always satisfies our cravings for something comforting.

It’s perfect for family gatherings or potlucks because everyone loves mac n cheese.

Plus, using whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese makes this dish a relatively guilt-free option compared to some other comfort foods.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken

Q1: What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?

For this recipe, I recommend using a combination of elbow macaroni and shells. The elbow macaroni provides a nice texture contrast to the shells, which are slightly larger and more irregular in shape.

Q2: Can I use different types of cheese?

While cheddar is my go-to cheese for this recipe, you can definitely experiment with other types of cheese like mozzarella, provolone, or even feta.

Q3: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming too mushy?

To prevent the pasta from becoming too mushy, make sure to cook it al dente before mixing it with the cheese sauce.

Q4: Can I add other ingredients like vegetables or meats?

Of course! You can add any number of ingredients you like to make this recipe your own.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, make sure to reheat it until hot and bubbly again.

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