Irresistible Chicken and Mac and Cheese Recipe Delight

There’s something utterly enchanting about a chicken and mac and cheese recipe that brings warmth to your heart and fills your belly with joy. Imagine biting into tender, juicy chicken nestled amongst creamy, cheesy pasta that dances on your taste buds like it belongs in a Broadway show. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, wrapping around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening, promising comfort and happiness.

This dish is not just food; it’s an experience. It’s that magical meal you whip up on a lazy Sunday afternoon or the ultimate crowd-pleaser at family gatherings. Each forkful transports you back to cherished moments—perhaps a rainy day spent indoors or laughter-filled nights with friends. Get ready for a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends—there was enough cheesy goodness to feed an army! Everyone’s eyes lit up as they took their first bites, leading to an unforgettable night filled with laughter.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken is essential; I recommend using about 3-4 breasts depending on how many you’re feeding.

• Pasta (Elbow Macaroni): Classic choice; its shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show; opt for sharp cheddar for maximum flavor impact.

• Milk: Use whole milk for creaminess; it helps create that dreamy cheese sauce.

• Butter: For richness; it adds depth to the flavor profile of your cheese sauce.

• Flour: Essential for thickening; all-purpose flour works best in this recipe.

• Garlic Powder: Adds a hint of savory goodness without overpowering the dish.

• Salt & Pepper: Basic but crucial seasonings that enhance every flavor in your dish.

For the Sauce:

• Parmesan Cheese: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan elevates the flavor; don’t skip this!

• Mustard Powder: Just a pinch adds a delightful tanginess that balances the richness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Now that we’ve gathered our ingredients, let’s dive into the cooking process!

Prepare the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then bake them for about 25-30 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.

Cook the Pasta: While the chicken bakes, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, following package directions—usually about 8-10 minutes.

Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Gradually add milk while whisking constantly until smooth and thickened.

Add Cheeses: Stir in sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Mix in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper—the aroma will be heavenly!

Mingle Everything Together: Once the pasta is cooked and drained, combine it with your luscious cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Dice up your baked chicken into bite-sized pieces and fold them gently into the mac and cheese mixture.

Bake Until Golden: Transfer everything into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top if you’re feeling adventurous! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden brown on top.

And there you have it—a comforting chicken and mac and cheese recipe that will leave everyone smiling (and possibly fighting over leftovers)! Enjoy every creamy bite as you reminisce about those special moments shared around the dinner table.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken for flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the cheese sauce. This sequence ensures everything is hot and ready to serve together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cheddar for gouda or add veggies like spinach or broccoli. These tweaks give your dish a unique flair and boost its nutritional value.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to retain creaminess.

Sharing my first attempt at this chicken and mac and cheese recipe brings back memories of family laughter as we devoured every cheesy bite, proving it’s always a hit at gatherings.

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this dish.

What type of cheese is best for mac and cheese?

Cheddar is classic, but mixing in gouda or mozzarella enhances creaminess wonderfully.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sauces are made without wheat-based products.

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Indulgent Chicken and Mac and Cheese Recipe

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• Author: Maria Del
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Warm up your evening with this indulgent chicken and mac and cheese recipe! Tender, juicy chicken combined with creamy, cheesy elbow macaroni creates a comforting dish that will please everyone at the table. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this easy-to-make meal promises to deliver rich flavors and nostalgic memories that keep you coming back for more.

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Ingredients

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• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp mustard powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.
2. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes) until al dente.
3. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth and thick.
4. Stir in sharp cheddar cheese until melted. Mix in garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce in a large bowl. Dice baked chicken into bite-sized pieces and gently fold into the mixture.
6. Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with additional cheddar if desired, and bake for about 15-20 minutes until bubbling and golden.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg