chicken macaroni and cheese recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken macaroni and cheese recipe

I’ve been making chicken macaroni and cheese for my family for years, and it’s always a hit. The dish is a classic comfort food that never fails to satisfy.

I love how the creamy cheese sauce coats the pasta, and the chicken adds a nice protein boost. My kids can be picky eaters, but they always ask for seconds when I serve this up.

I’ve tweaked the recipe over the years to make it healthier, using whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese. It’s still a treat, but one that I feel good about serving to my family.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just cook the pasta, mix in the cheese sauce, and add some cooked chicken on top. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

My family loves how it tastes and feels – it’s like a big hug in a bowl.

Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

4.5 from 1203 votes

A delicious recipe worth trying! Your family will love this one.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chicken

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt

For the Macaroni and Cheese

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
3Season with paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
4Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
5Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
6Remove from heat and set aside.
7Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
8Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
9Drain and set aside.
10In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
11Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
12Gradually whisk in milk, and cook until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
13Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
14Season with salt and black pepper.
15In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and cooked chicken.
16Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
17Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
18Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
19Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Large pot
Saucepan
Colander
Baking dish

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add vegetables like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition.

This chicken macaroni and cheese recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family. It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it’s so versatile – you can customize it with different types of pasta, cheese, and even add-ins like vegetables or meat. It’s also incredibly healthy compared to many other comfort food recipes out there.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

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

A: You can use any type of pasta you like, but I prefer to use macaroni because it holds onto the cheese sauce so well.

Q: Can I use low-fat cheese instead of regular cheese?

A: Yes, you can use low-fat cheese if you prefer – just keep in mind that it might not melt as well as regular cheese.

Q: How do I cook the chicken for this recipe?

A: You can cook the chicken in a variety of ways – you can grill it, bake it, or even cook it in a skillet.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time – simply cook the pasta and mix in the cheese sauce, then refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to serve.

Q: What if I don’t have any breadcrumbs?

A: You can omit the breadcrumbs if you don’t have any on hand – they’re just there to add some crunch to the top of the dish.

Q: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use different types of cheese if you prefer – just keep in mind that some cheeses might melt better than others.

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