This Chicken Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy goodness loaded with tender chicken and pasta. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to love!
Plus, it’s perfect for busy nights when you just want something warm and filling. Trust me, I can’t resist sneaking a spoonful before dinner! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Elbow macaroni is classic, but cavatappi adds a fun twist. If you want, try gluten-free pasta for a lighter option!
Chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for convenience. Leftover chicken works great too! For a vegetarian version, replace it with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great tang and flavor. For a richer taste, mix in gouda or Gruyère. Don’t forget, the mozzarella adds nice creaminess!
Milk: Whole milk is best for creaminess, but 2% or even a plant-based milk like almond could work if you’re dairy-free!
How Do I Make a Creamy Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce can be tricky, but a smooth one is crucial for a great mac and cheese. Start by cooking the butter and flour to form a roux. Keep the whisk moving to avoid lumps!
- Melt the butter on medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook it lightly.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking to prevent clumps. Keep stirring until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Add seasonings and stir in the cheeses until melted and smooth!
Getting the cheese sauce right makes for the best mac and cheese! Trust me, it’s worth the effort.
How to Make Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
For the Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for searing chicken)
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time, making a total of approximately 45 minutes. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats up, lightly grease a medium baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
Boil a large pot of water, add a pinch of salt, and cook the elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken pieces to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and, if you like, a pinch of smoked paprika. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, set it aside.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour and keep whisking for about 1-2 minutes until it bubbles and turns slightly golden, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
5. Add the Cheese:
Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Then, add the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
6. Combine Everything:
Gently mix the cooked pasta and chicken pieces into the cheese sauce so that everything is well coated with the delicious cheesy goodness. This is where it starts to come together!
7. Bake:
Transfer the creamy pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula. For that golden, crispy top, you can place it under the broiler for about 2-3 minutes. Just keep a close eye on it to make sure it doesn’t burn!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to add a pop of color and freshness. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Then dig in and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Chicken Mac and Cheese!
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Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand works perfectly. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and toss it in!
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli instead. You can also use plant-based cheeses for a dairy-free option!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to a day before baking. Just take it out about 30 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature, then proceed with baking as directed.
