Cozy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe: Homestyle Comfort Bliss

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable chicken mac and cheese recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.

Creamy, cheesy goodness meets tender chicken in a dish that melts hearts and satisfies hunger.

Weeknight dinners never looked so tempting with this classic comfort meal.

Rich cheese sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Succulent chicken pieces add protein and depth to every delightful bite.

Each forkful brings warmth and nostalgia, transporting you to childhood memories of home-cooked meals.

This recipe will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Mac and Cheese Gets Chicken’s Cozy Touch

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This chicken mac and cheese recipe brings everyone together with its irresistible comfort food appeal, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Boost Nutrition Easily: Packed with protein from chicken and creamy cheese, this dish transforms a classic comfort meal into a more balanced and satisfying option for health-conscious eaters.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Beginners can confidently create this recipe by following straightforward steps, learning basic skills like making a cheese sauce and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe allows quick variations with different cheese types, added vegetables, or spice levels, making it adaptable to personal taste preferences and pantry ingredients.

Chicken Mac and Cheese Ingredient List

• Chicken: Tender protein that adds heartiness to the mac and cheese.
• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that provides the base for this comfort dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that creates a rich and creamy sauce.

• Butter, Flour: Essential components for creating a smooth and thick cheese sauce.
• Milk, Cream: Provide a silky texture and help develop the sauce's consistency.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the mac and cheese.
• Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh touch and visual appeal.

How to Make Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente.

Drain the pasta in a colander and let it sit while preparing the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Create Roux Base

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously for about one minute to create a smooth, golden roux that will thicken the sauce.

Step 3: Craft Silky Sauce

Slowly pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture starts to thicken and becomes velvety smooth.

Step 4: Blend Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the cheese completely melts and creates a luxurious, creamy sauce with rich flavor.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Fold in cooked chicken and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce.

Gently mix until every noodle and chicken piece is generously coated with the decadent sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the chicken mac and cheese to serving dishes.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Tips for Extra Creamy Chicken Mac

• Grate cheese at room temperature for faster, more even melting and a silky-smooth sauce.
• Toss macaroni with a little olive oil after draining to keep pasta from sticking together before mixing with cheese sauce.
• Use rotisserie chicken for richer flavor or swap with leftover grilled chicken for extra smokiness.
• Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving to add a delightful crunch to the creamy dish.
• Replace milk and cream with unsweetened almond milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar for a lactose-free version.

Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Comfort: Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or diced bell peppers for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free macaroni and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour to create a celiac-safe meal.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and mix in some taco seasoning for a zesty kick.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute macaroni with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the rich cheese sauce.

Serving Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Comfort Plate Partner: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy mac and cheese.
• Crunchy Topping Twist: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for added texture and delightful crunch that complements the soft pasta.
• Weekend Meal Companion: Pair with roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts to create a complete, nutritious dinner that satisfies the whole family.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining mac and cheese into delicious lunch portions by packing in meal prep containers for quick, tasty next-day meals.

Chicken Mac and Cheese Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Wrap containers in plastic wrap for extra protection.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or leftover roasted chicken all work perfectly. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding to the mac and cheese.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar is classic, you can mix in other cheeses like monterey jack, gruyere, or parmesan for extra flavor complexity.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add frozen vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach during the final mixing stage. This boosts nutrition and adds color to the dish without changing the creamy texture.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this mac and cheese is super kid-friendly. Most children love the creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken, making it a great family meal that’s easy to customize.

Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken mac and cheese brings Southern hospitality straight to your dinner table with creamy pasta perfection. Loaded with tender chicken, melted cheeses, and a golden crispy topping, this classic dish promises pure satisfaction for hungry families craving homestyle deliciousness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 medium chicken breast
• 2 cups cheddar cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 0.5 cup cream cheese

Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups whole milk
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• salt (to taste)
• pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare macaroni following package instructions, drain thoroughly, and reserve.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, approximately 350°F.
3. Incorporate flour and whisk continuously for 60 seconds to create a roux, ensuring no lumps form.
4. Slowly pour milk and cream into the mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and reaches a velvety consistency, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low and blend cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the sauce, stirring until cheese completely dissolves and creates a smooth, glossy texture.
6. Fold precooked chicken and reserved macaroni into the cheese sauce, gently mixing to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
7. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while piping hot, and optionally sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for added color and herbal freshness.

Notes

• Enhance the cheesy goodness by using a blend of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda for deeper flavor complexity.
• Prevent sauce from separating by removing pan from heat before adding cheese and stirring gradually to create smooth, creamy texture.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and using gluten-free pasta.
• Transform into a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of cream and adding extra vegetables like roasted broccoli or spinach for nutrition boost.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 518 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 365 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg