chicken mac n cheese recipe

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

I’ve always been a fan of comfort food, and chicken mac n cheese is one of my all-time favorites. It’s a classic American dish that’s easy to make and always a hit with my family. I remember growing up, my mom would make it for us after school on cold days, and it was always a treat.

The creamy pasta, the savory chicken, and the crispy breadcrumbs on top… it’s just a perfect combination of flavors and textures. Over the years, I’ve tweaked my recipe to make it healthier and more flavorful, but it’s still the same comforting dish I loved as a kid.

I love serving this recipe at family gatherings or potlucks because it’s easy to scale up or down depending on the number of people. And let’s be real – who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some carbs and cheese? But what I think I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can add veggies like steamed broccoli or roasted carrots to make it healthier, or mix in some cooked bacon for added smokiness. The possibilities are endless! As a busy mom, I appreciate that this recipe is quick to prepare and cooks in under 30 minutes.

It’s also a great way to get my kids involved in cooking – they love helping me mix the pasta and cheese sauce. And when we’re done eating, we can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use. It’s just one of those recipes that never fails to please.

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe. Don’t skimp on the cheddar cheese or use low-fat milk – you want that rich, creamy flavor to shine through. And if you’re feeling fancy, add some chopped herbs like parsley or chives for extra color and flavor.

Chicken Mac and Cheese

Chicken Mac and Cheese

4.8 from 1943 votes

A creamy, comforting baked macaroni and cheese with tender chunks of chicken. This hearty dish combines al dente pasta with a rich cheese sauce and golden breadcrumb topping.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 520 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce

3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp paprika

For the Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp melted butter
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat.
3Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
4In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter.
5Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until the mixture is bubbly and lightly golden.
6Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream.
7Continue whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and begins to bubble, about 3 to 4 minutes.
8The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
9Reduce heat to low and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.
10Stir until fully melted and smooth.
11Season with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
12Combine the cooked macaroni and chicken in a large bowl.
13Pour the cheese sauce over the top and stir until everything is evenly coated.
14Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread into an even layer.
15In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
16Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
17Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly.
18Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

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

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 520 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 16g❤️Cholesterol: 95mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 38g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 30g

📝Notes

For a crispier topping, broil for the last 2 minutes. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Mac and Cheese Works

This chicken mac n cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion like Easter Sunday.

My family loves how easy it is to make and how versatile it is – we can customize it with our favorite toppings or mix-ins.

And let’s not forget about the leftovers – we can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Mac and Cheese

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

For this recipe, you want to use a short, sturdy pasta shape like macaroni or shells. Avoid long, thin shapes like spaghetti or angel hair – they’ll just get lost in the cheesy sauce.

Q: Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use leftover chicken for this recipe! Just make sure it’s been stored safely in the fridge at 40°F (4°C) or below.

Q: How do I prevent the mac n cheese from becoming too dry?

Avoid overcooking the pasta – it should still have a bit of bite to it when you add the cheese sauce. Also, don’t overbake the top – you want it to be golden brown but still slightly gooey.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free by substituting gluten-free pasta and using gluten-free breadcrumbs on top.

Q: How do I store leftovers of this recipe?

You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.

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