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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare macaroni following package instructions, drain thoroughly, and reserve.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, approximately 350°F.
- Incorporate flour and whisk continuously for 60 seconds to create a roux, ensuring no lumps form.
- Slowly pour milk and cream into the mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and reaches a velvety consistency, about 3-4 minutes.
- 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.
- Fold precooked chicken and reserved macaroni into the cheese sauce, gently mixing to ensure even coating and distribution of ingredients.
- 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