This delightful dish of chicken mac and cheese is a comforting classic that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chunks of chicken. It's a perfect midweek meal that's easy to prepare and guaranteed to please the whole family.
Photos of Easy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
The ingredients for this dish are mostly common pantry items. However, make sure you have a good quality cheddar cheese as it significantly influences the overall flavor. If you are health-conscious, you could opt for whole grain macaroni for added fiber.
Ingredients for Chicken Mac and Cheese
Macaroni: This is the base of the dish. Choose any shape you prefer, but elbow macaroni is traditionally used.
Sweet onion and garlic: They provide a subtle flavor base that complements the cheese and chicken.
Unsalted butter: This is used to sauté the onion and garlic, and to make the roux for the cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour: It helps to thicken the cheese sauce.
Milk: For the creamy texture of the cheese sauce.
Cheddar cheese: This cheese melts well and gives a rich flavor.
Mustard: It adds a tangy flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese.
Chicken: Use cooked chicken. It can be leftovers, rotisserie, or freshly cooked.
Salt and black pepper: For seasoning.
Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping that contrasts with the creamy mac and cheese.
One reader, Brittaney Quinlan says:
This easy chicken mac and cheese recipe is a game-changer! The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta is a match made in heaven. The crispy breadcrumbs on top add a delightful crunch. It's a family favorite and always leaves everyone wanting more. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Easy Chicken Mac and Cheese
How to cook the pasta: Boil a pot of salted water and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.
How to cook the onions and garlic: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook until translucent. Then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
How to stir in the milk, mustard, and cheese: Slowly add the milk while stirring. Then stir in the grated cheese and mustard until the cheese has melted.
How to stir the chicken and pasta into the sauce: Once the cheese is melted, stir in the chicken and cooked pasta. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
How to cook the breadcrumbs: Melt butter in a small skillet over low heat. Stir in the breadcrumbs until well combined. Continue to stir over low heat until the breadcrumbs are browned, 3 to 4 minutes.
How To Make Easy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Shredded chicken adds another layer of deliciousness to this rich mac and cheese recipe. Crispy bread crumbs provide a great contrast in texture.
Serves:
Ingredients
For Chicken Mac and Cheese:
- 8ozdry macaroni
- ½sweet onion,chopped
- 1clovegarlic,minced
- ¼cupunsalted butter
- 3tbspall purpose flour
- 2cupswhole milk,or 2% milk
- 2cupscheddar cheese,grated
- 1tspmustard,dried, optional
- 2cupschicken,shredded and cooked
- ¼tspsalt
- ¼tspblack pepper
For Crispy Breadcrumbs:
- 2tbspunsalted butter
- ¾cupbreadcrumbs,such as panko
Instructions
-
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, or according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and keep the pasta from sticking together. Set aside.
-
In a large pot over medium heat, add butter. Once the butter is melted, add chopped onions and cook for a few minutes until they turn translucent.
-
Then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir the flour into the onion and garlic mixture and cook for a minute.
-
Slowly add the milk while stirring. The flour and onion mixture will thicken as the milk is added. Once all the milk is added, stir in the grated cheese and mustard. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese has melted.
-
Once the cheese is melted, stir in the chicken and cooked pasta. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
-
Whenever there are a few spare moments while assembling this pasta (like, while cooking the onions or while waiting for the cheese to melt), cook the breadcrumbs.
-
Melt the butter in a small skillet over low heat. Stir in the breadcrumbs until well combined. Continue to stir over low heat until the breadcrumbs are browned.
-
Remove from the heat and let cool. Breadcrumbs can also be toasted ahead of time and stored in an airtight container.
-
Ladle the cheesy chicken macaroni right out of the pot when it’s super creamy, and top it with crispy breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Calories: 648.50kcal
- Fat: 37.44g
- Saturated Fat: 19.62g
- Trans Fat: 1.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 10.49g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.24g
- Carbohydrates: 47.79g
- Fiber: 2.25g
- Sugar: 7.49g
- Protein: 29.37g
- Cholesterol: 118.53mg
- Sodium: 562.14mg
- Calcium: 438.22mg
- Potassium: 385.06mg
- Iron: 1.95mg
- Vitamin A: 269.41µg
- Vitamin C: 2.23mg
Crucial Technique for Achieving Creamy Mac and Cheese
To ensure your macaroni is perfectly cooked, always test it by tasting. It should be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. This is because the pasta will continue to cook when it's added to the hot cheese sauce. Overcooked pasta can turn your dish into a mushy mess, so always keep an eye on your boiling pasta.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to cook. This will save time and make the cooking process smoother.
One-pot wonder: Use a single pot to cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cook: Make a larger portion and store the extra in the fridge for quick and easy leftovers.
Quick chicken: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to cut down on cooking time.
Instant pot: Consider using a pressure cooker to speed up the cooking process for the chicken and pasta.
Substitute Ingredients For Easy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
dry macaroni - Substitute with penne pasta: Penne pasta is a great substitute for macaroni in this recipe as it has a similar shape and texture, and it holds the creamy cheese sauce well.
sweet onion - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onion can be used as a substitute for sweet onion as it provides a mild and slightly sweet flavor, similar to sweet onion.
unsalted butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can be used as a healthier substitute for butter, and it adds a rich flavor to the dish.
all purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour can be used as a healthier alternative to all-purpose flour, adding a nutty flavor and extra nutrients to the dish.
whole or 2% milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can be used as a dairy-free substitute for whole or 2% milk, and it adds a subtle nutty flavor to the dish.
cheddar cheese - Substitute with gouda cheese: Gouda cheese can be used as a substitute for cheddar cheese, providing a creamy and slightly nutty flavor to the mac and cheese.
mustard - Substitute with dijon mustard: Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute for regular mustard, adding a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the dish.
chicken - Substitute with turkey: Turkey can be used as a substitute for chicken, providing a similar texture and flavor to the dish.
breadcrumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs, providing a lighter and crispier texture when baked.
Best Ways to Serve Up This Cheesy Delight
Elevate the plating: When presenting the chicken mac and cheese, focus on creating an elegant and refined plating. Use a large, white, flat plate to showcase the creamy mac and cheese, allowing the vibrant colors and textures to stand out.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a pop of color and freshness to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or chives. Sprinkle the herbs lightly over the mac and cheese for a visually appealing touch.
Incorporate texture: Consider adding a contrasting texture to the dish by serving the mac and cheese in a crispy Parmesan bowl. This not only adds a visual element but also introduces a delightful crunch to complement the creamy pasta.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to draw attention to the main components of the dish. Avoid overcrowding and allow the mac and cheese to be the focal point of the presentation.
Highlight the breadcrumbs: Instead of simply sprinkling the breadcrumbs on top, create a separate element by placing a small mound of the crispy breadcrumbs alongside the mac and cheese. This adds visual interest and allows guests to customize their bites.
Consider the vessel: Choose a sophisticated and modern vessel to serve the chicken mac and cheese. A shallow, wide bowl or a sleek, rectangular plate can elevate the presentation and create a memorable dining experience.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making Mac and Cheese
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for various kitchen tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Large pot: A deep cooking vessel used for boiling, simmering, and cooking large quantities of food.
Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with perforations used for draining liquids from food items such as pasta or vegetables.
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients together.
Wooden spoon: A cooking utensil with a long handle, typically made of wood, used for stirring and mixing ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring dry and liquid ingredients in cooking and baking.
Grater: A kitchen tool with sharp-edged perforations used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other foods.
Oven-safe baking dish: A dish designed to withstand high oven temperatures, used for baking and roasting dishes in the oven.
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a long handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces, boiling liquids, and reheating food.
Baking sheet: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking cookies, pastries, and other baked goods in the oven.
Storing and Freezing Tips for Mac and Cheese
- To store leftover chicken mac and cheese, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
- When reheating refrigerated mac and cheese, add a splash of milk to help restore its creamy texture. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the mac and cheese. Transfer the cooled dish to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
- To reheat frozen mac and cheese, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Place the thawed dish in a microwave-safe container or a saucepan on the stovetop. Add a little milk or cream to help revive the creamy consistency. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through and smooth.
- Note: The texture of the mac and cheese may change slightly after freezing and reheating, as the pasta can become softer and the sauce may separate. Stirring well and adding a bit of liquid can help mitigate these issues.
- If you plan to freeze the mac and cheese, consider undercooking the pasta slightly (1-2 minutes less than al dente) to prevent it from becoming too soft when reheated.
- To maintain the best quality, consume the frozen mac and cheese within 2-3 months. Label the container with the date of freezing to keep track of its shelf life.
How To Reheat Leftover Mac and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the leftover chicken mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the top to crisp up slightly.
For a quicker option, reheat individual portions of the chicken mac and cheese in the microwave. Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If the mac and cheese seems dry, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to help restore its creamy texture.
If you have a bit more time, reheat the chicken mac and cheese on the stovetop. Transfer the leftovers to a saucepan and add a splash of milk or chicken broth. Heat the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it's warmed through and creamy. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the cheese sauce to separate.
For a crispy top, place the reheated chicken mac and cheese under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning, and remove it from the broiler once the top is golden brown and bubbly.
If you have leftover crispy breadcrumbs, sprinkle them over the reheated mac and cheese for added texture and flavor. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to brighten up the dish.
Interesting Trivia About Mac and Cheese
The macaroni and cheese recipe is a classic comfort food that originated in the United States during the 18th century. It was Thomas Jefferson who first introduced this dish to the country after encountering it in Italy. He loved it so much that he brought back a pasta machine from Europe to make it himself. This popular dish has since become a staple in American cuisine and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Is Making Mac and Cheese at Home Cost-Effective?
This chicken mac and cheese recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are commonly found in most kitchens, and the recipe yields a substantial amount, making it suitable for feeding a family. The combination of chicken and cheese provides a good source of protein and calcium. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $15, making it an affordable and satisfying meal. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Comfort Food Classic Healthy or Not?
This chicken mac and cheese recipe, while undeniably delicious, leans more towards the unhealthy side due to several factors:
- The recipe uses whole or 2% milk and a significant amount of cheddar cheese, both of which are high in saturated fat and calories.
- The use of butter in both the sauce and breadcrumbs adds additional saturated fat to the dish.
- White pasta is used, which is made from refined flour and lacks the fiber and nutrients found in whole grain alternatives.
However, the inclusion of chicken provides a good source of lean protein, and the onion and garlic offer some nutritional benefits.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Swap whole or 2% milk for skim or low-fat milk to reduce the saturated fat content.
- Use reduced-fat cheddar cheese or a combination of reduced-fat cheese and a stronger-flavored cheese like parmesan to maintain flavor while cutting down on fat and calories.
- Replace half or all of the white pasta with whole grain pasta to increase fiber and nutrient intake.
- Reduce the amount of butter used in the sauce and breadcrumbs, or substitute with a healthier alternative like olive oil.
- Add more vegetables to the dish, such as diced bell peppers, peas, or spinach, to boost the nutritional value and fiber content.
- Use whole wheat breadcrumbs or panko for a crunchier, healthier topping.
Editor's Opinion on This Classic Comfort Food
The recipe for Easy Chicken Mac and Cheese is a delightful comfort food option. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy breadcrumbs creates a satisfying and flavorful dish. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. However, to elevate the dish, consider adding a pop of color and freshness with some diced tomatoes or steamed broccoli. Additionally, incorporating a variety of cheeses, such as Gruyère or fontina, can enhance the depth of flavor. Overall, this recipe offers a great foundation for a delicious meal with room for personalization and creativity.
Enhance Your Easy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Recipes to Try If You Love Mac and Cheese
Appetizers and Desserts That Complement Mac and Cheese
Why trust this Easy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of cheesy goodness and tender chicken, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The creamy cheddar cheese sauce is made from scratch, ensuring rich and indulgent flavors. The addition of mustard adds a subtle tang, elevating the overall taste. The crispy breadcrumbs on top provide a delightful contrast in texture, adding a delightful crunch to every bite. With its simple yet flavorful ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this chicken mac and cheese recipe is a trustworthy choice for a delicious and hearty meal.
Was this page helpful?
Have your own special recipe to share? Submit Your Recipe Today!
Related Recipes
Just Like Noodles and Company Copycat Wisconsin Mac N Cheese Recipe
Bob Evans Cheesy Stove-Top Macaroni Recipe
Copycat California Pizza Kitchen Mac and Cheese Recipe
Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe
Cream of Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole Recipe
Popeyes Mac and Cheese Recipe (Copycat)
What’s for dinner?: Homemade Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Chick fil A Mac and Cheese Recipe (Copycat)
Sweetie Pies Mac And Cheese Recipe (Copycat)
Roast Beef Mac and Cheese Recipe
Meaty Cheesy Sloppy Joe Mac n Cheese Recipe
