Ah, the classic comfort food—mac and cheese. But wait, let’s add a twist!
Imagine your favorite creamy, cheesy pasta dish, then picture it mingling with tender chunks of chicken. A match made in culinary heaven, right?
I remember the first time I tried adding chicken to my mac and cheese—it was a rainy Tuesday, and I was craving something hearty yet simple. The rain was tapping on my window, creating a rhythm that seemed to say, “Go ahead, indulge a little.
” So I did. The result?
Pure bliss! Anyway, have you noticed how chicken just soaks up flavors while still holding its own?
It’s like that friend who’s adaptable in any group but never loses their unique charm. This dish, with its gooey cheese and succulent chicken, is like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Oh, and if you’re thinking about what to watch while savoring this dish, I’ve been hooked on the latest episodes of that baking show everyone’s talking about. But enough about TV—let’s get cooking!
Steps
- Boil salted water in a pot, then cook macaroni until it is al dente as per package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to halt further cooking and prevent sticking. Set the pasta aside.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter and sauté chopped onions until they become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Stir in flour and cook for another minute.
- Gradually pour in milk while stirring continuously to thicken the mixture. Once thickened, add grated cheese and optional dried mustard, stirring until the cheese is fully melted.
- Incorporate shredded chicken and cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- In a small skillet over low heat, melt butter and stir in breadcrumbs. Cook, stirring continuously, until they are browned, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
- Serve the chicken mac and cheese immediately, topped with the crispy breadcrumbs for added texture.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces dry macaroni
- 1/2 sweet onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole or 2% milk
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried mustard (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (such as panko)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2208 | Fat: 136g | Saturated Fat: 72g | Cholesterol: 472mg | Sodium: 2028mg | Carbohydrates: 140g | Dietary Fiber: 8g | Sugars: 36g | Protein: 108g | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 1644mg | Iron: 8mg | Potassium: 1440mg
FAQ
- Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?
- Yes, leftover chicken works perfectly in this dish. You can also use rotisserie chicken from the store or quickly poach some chicken breasts if you prefer.
- How can I reheat the leftovers without losing the creamy texture?
- To reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk and gently warm it in a pan over low heat until it regains its creamy consistency. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for reheating.
- Are there any variations for serving this recipe?
- Absolutely! You can serve it straight from the pot for a classic creamy experience or add crispy breadcrumbs on top for extra texture. Roasted vegetables are also a great addition for more flavor and nutrients.
- Can I prepare this dish in advance for a dinner party?
- Yes, you can assemble the dish, transfer it to an 8×8 baking dish, top it with breadcrumbs, and bake it at 350°F for 20 minutes for a casserole-style version. This method is ideal for preparing in advance.
- What side dishes go well with Chicken Mac and Cheese?
- Some great side options include roasted broccoli with Parmesan, cucumber salad with grapes and almonds, roasted zucchini with garlic, Caesar salad with creamy Parmesan dressing, or roasted cauliflower.
Tips
- Use Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, incorporate leftover chicken or use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. This can significantly cut down on preparation time and still provide delicious results.
- Enhance Texture with Breadcrumbs: For added texture, sprinkle crispy breadcrumbs over your mac and cheese. You can prepare these breadcrumbs while the pasta is cooking, ensuring they’re ready when needed.
- Reheat with Milk for Creaminess: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk and warm over low heat to restore the creamy texture. This method helps prevent the dish from drying out.
- Customize with Roasted Veggies: Consider adding roasted vegetables, like broccoli or zucchini, to the dish. This not only enhances its nutritional value but also adds a delightful flavor contrast.
Equipment
- 8×8 Baking Dish – If you plan to make the casserole-style mac and cheese.
- Small Skillet – For cooking the breadcrumbs if not already available.
- Large Pot – A good-sized pot for cooking pasta and the cheese sauce might be necessary if not already owned.
