Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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This creamy and cheesy chicken mac and cheese is a comfort food favorite, combining tender chicken, elbow macaroni, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate indulgence for cheese lovers!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or diced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Mac and Cheese:

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape you prefer)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnishing (Optional):

  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped
  • Extra shredded cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the Chicken
    • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
    • Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked through and no longer pink. Shred the chicken with two forks or dice it into small pieces. Set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce
    • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
    • Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste (this creates the roux).
    • Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
    • Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
    • Add the Dijon mustard (if using), paprika, salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine the Pasta and Chicken
    • Add the cooked macaroni and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to combine.
  5. Serve
    • Serve the chicken mac and cheese warm, garnished with fresh parsley or chives and extra cheese if desired.

Tips

  • For extra flavor, top the mac and cheese with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
  • You can add cooked bacon or sautéed onions for an additional layer of flavor.
  • To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.

Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and comforting chicken mac and cheese!

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