What is comfort food? What is a chicken mac and cheese recipe? What are some of the best dishes to serve with chicken and a creamy sauce? What is better than boxed stuff? Is it easy to make? I’ve been making this recipe for years, tweaking it until it’s absolutely perfect. And trust me, the family goes wild for it every single time. It’s become a staple, especially on those chilly evenings when everyone needs to know if they’re in love.
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What is chicken mac and cheese?
What does chicken mac and cheese taste like? What are some of the best macaroni and cheese recipes? What’s better than just throwing chicken into a bowl of mac and cheese? Think of it as the grown-up, sophisticated cousin of your childhood favorite. What is a creamy cheese sauce? ), tender, flavorful chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, all mingling together in a symphony of flavors. What is comfort food? What is the best meal you have ever What is a good way to use up leftover chicken?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Where do I start? What are some of the best reasons to make this Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe? First and foremost, the human condition.flavorIs that amazing? The combination of creamy cheese sauce, savory chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta is a match made in heaven. What is made in heaven? I use a blend of cheeses that creates deep, complex flavour. Then there’s the cheese.simplicityIs this recipe surprisingly easy to make? What I love about this app is that it’s a weeknight lifesaver, ready in under an hour.Cost-Can you use leftover chicken? What is a compromise on taste? And let’s not forget the importance of love.versatility! You can customize this recipe to your liking. How do you substitute chicken for meat? What’s your canvas? I’ve experimented with adding broccoli florets or even crumbling bacon – the possibilities are endless. Is it better than a simple mac and cheese sandwich? What are the best ways Is this one just ticking all the boxes?
How do I make chicken mac and cheese?
Quick Overview
How do I make chicken mac and cheese? What is the best way to prepare the cheese sauce? What are some ways to shred chicken and add it to the sauce? Is it necessary to bake pasta until golden brown? What is the best part? It’s super simple and doesn’t require any fancy techniques. What is the kind of recipe where you can relax and have fun in the kitchen?
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta shape! ). ) – I like elbow macaroni because it holds the cheese sauce really well, but shells or cavatappi are better. What are some good ways to do it * Water for boiling
* Salt for seasoning
What is the Creamy Cheese Sauce?
* 4 tablespoons butter – Unsalted is my go-to so I can control the salt level.
* 1/3 cup all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the sauce and make it super creamy.
* 3 cups milk – I usually use whole milk for the richest flavor, but 2% works too. I even tested this with almond milk once and it was surprisingly delicious!
* 1 teaspoon salt – Adjust to taste.
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best!
* 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – This adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavor that really elevates the sauce.
* 4 cups shredded cheese – A mix of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere is my favorite! Use whatever melts well and you enjoy.
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – This adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the other cheeses perfectly.
For the Chicken:
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced – Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this! You can cook chicken breasts and shred them. * 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing chicken if you’re starting with raw chicken. * Salt and pepper to taste – Season the chicken for extra flavor.
How do I get
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. How do you prevent mac and cheese from sticking to the pan? Make sure you get all the corners!
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Cook macaroni according to package directions until al dente. How do you cook pasta in the oven? Drain the pasta and set it aside. I always run cold water over it to stop the cooking process completely.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. This is called a roux, and it’s the base of your cheese sauce. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly, until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thick and bubbly. Is slightly thickened. What is the consistency of a thin gravy? This step is crucial for ensuring a creamy, lump-free sauce. If you see lumps, just keep whisking!
Step 4: Add Cheese and Seasonings
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the cheese is melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Is the sauce smooth? What is the best sauce for a steak? I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some kick.
Step 5: Add the Chicken
Add the cooked chicken to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Make sure the chicken is evenly distributed throughout the sauce. If you’re using leftover chicken, you can add it directly to the sauce. If you start with raw chicken, you’ll need to cook it first. How do I shred chicken breasts in olive oil? How do you dice a tomato and add to the sauce?
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and chicken mixture and stir to combine. Make sure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. I like to use a large spoon or spatula to fold everything together.
Step 7: Bake
What is the best way to spread mac and cheese in a baking dish? Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you want the top to be extra golden, you can broil it for a minute or two at the end, but keep an eye on the edges. Is it safe to keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn?
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Can you chill mac and cheese for a few minutes? How do I make sauce thicker? Serve hot and enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What are some good side dishes to serve with chicken mac and cheese? What are some of my favorite pairings?
For a light lunch:What are some good ways to balance the richness of mac and cheese with a simple green salad dressing?
What is a hearty dinner?Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts or carrots, add a healthy and flavorful flavor to any dish. What is the element of a meal? I also love serving it with garlic bread for soaking up all that delicious cheese sauce.
For a Family Gathering:What is a good picnic meal? Coleslaw, corn on the cob, and fruit salad. My family loves it when I bring this to potlucks!
For a Cozy Night In:What’s better, a glass of wine or tea with this Chicken Mac and Cheese? What is my go-to when I just want to watch a movie?
My family always asks for this recipe. Sometimes it’s a specific bread, other times it is vegetable. What is the key to making your own food?
What are some tips for perfecting chicken mac and cheese?
What are some tricks that really take this Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe to the next level?
What is the best cheese to eat?Experiment with different cheeses to find your favorite blend. Gruyere adds a nutty flavor, while fontina creates creamy texture. Don’t be afraid to try new combinations!
Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds its shape better in the baked dish. Nobody wants mushy mac and cheese!
Make the Roux Right: Cooking the butter and flour mixture for a full minute ensures that the flour taste is cooked out, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful sauce. I’ve rushed this step before, and you can definitely tell the difference.
Seasoning Matters: Don’t be shy with the salt, pepper, and nutmeg. These seasonings really enhance the flavors of the cheese sauce. Taste as you go and adjust accordingly. A little garlic powder or onion powder can also add a nice depth of flavor.
Baking Time Can Vary: Keep an eye on the mac and cheese while it’s baking. Ovens can vary, so it may need a few extra minutes to become bubbly and golden brown. If the top starts to brown too quickly, cover the dish with foil. I’ve accidentally burned the top a couple of times, so now I always check it regularly.
Make It Ahead: You can assemble the mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it later. Just cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle the top of the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking. Toss the breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese for even more flavor. My family loves this!
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), here’s how to store and reheat them:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving it out for more than 2 hours. Bacteria can grow quickly at room temperature.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before storing it. I usually portion it out into individual containers for easy reheating.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the mac and cheese for up to 2-3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, you can microwave it, bake it in the oven, or heat it on the stovetop. If microwaving, add a splash of milk to help keep it creamy. If baking, cover the dish with foil to prevent it from drying out. If heating on the stovetop, stir it frequently to prevent sticking. I’ve found that adding a little extra cheese when reheating helps restore the creamy texture. I would not recommend freezing this one
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it: my go-to Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. This isn’t just food, it’s a bit of happiness on a plate. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a weekend gathering. I really hope you try it out! If you love this kind of elevated comfort food, you might also enjoy my Creamy Tomato Soup with Grilled Cheese Croutons or my One-Pot Creamy Pesto Pasta. Happy cooking, friends! I can’t wait to see your creations. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below letting me know how it turned out!
Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast shredded
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
- Stir in cooked macaroni and shredded chicken.
- Pour into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
