If you’re in the mood for a comforting, hearty meal, Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings. This recipe pairs tender, juicy chicken with rich and creamy macaroni and cheese, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a cozy night in or preparing a special dinner, this meal is sure to impress.
The creamy macaroni cheese is a classic favorite, featuring pasta coated in a velvety cheese sauce that’s both indulgent and satisfying. The addition of juicy, well-seasoned chicken turns this dish into a complete meal, balancing the rich pasta with a lean protein. The result is a hearty and delicious dinner that’s full of flavor and sure to leave everyone at the table smiling.
This Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese is not only delicious, but it’s also easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that feels both comforting and gourmet. Let’s dive into this tasty recipe!
Why You Will Love Making This Recipe
There are so many reasons why Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese will become a family favorite. First, the combination of tender, flavorful chicken and creamy, cheesy pasta is a match made in comfort food heaven. The chicken provides lean protein, while the macaroni and cheese sauce brings indulgent, rich flavor to the table.
The recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it can be put together in just under an hour, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners. It’s also versatile—feel free to customize the dish by adding vegetables such as peas, spinach, or broccoli for extra flavor and nutrition.
Lastly, this dish is great for leftovers, as the creamy sauce and chicken stay delicious even when reheated. It’s a great option for meal prep or for enjoying a comforting meal later in the week.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Equipment Used
- Large Skillet: To cook the chicken and prepare the creamy cheese sauce. A non-stick or stainless steel skillet works well.
- Large Pot: For boiling the elbow macaroni. A big pot ensures the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Whisk: To stir and blend the milk and flour into a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Tongs or Fork: To flip and handle the chicken while cooking, ensuring even cooking without piercing the meat.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of the milk, cheese, and flour to achieve the right consistency and flavor.
- Sharp Knife: To slice the cooked chicken into thin, bite-sized strips for serving.
- Colander or Strainer: To drain the cooked macaroni before combining it with the sauce.
- Serving Plates: To plate and serve the finished dish to your family or guests.
Directions & Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Cook the Macaroni: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to make a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly. Gently fold in the sliced chicken.
- Serve: Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese with the chicken on top, or mix it all together. Garnish with extra grated cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
This Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese recipe provides a filling meal with a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a satisfying dinner option.
Variations
- Vegetable Add-ins: For added nutrition, stir in some cooked broccoli, spinach, or peas to the macaroni and cheese.
- Spicy Chicken: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the chicken for a little kick of heat.
- Baked Version: After combining the chicken and macaroni cheese, transfer the dish to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Yes, chicken thighs will work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly, as thighs may require a slightly longer cooking time than breasts.
2. Can I make the macaroni cheese ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cheese sauce and cooked pasta ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and pasta together, and add the sliced chicken.
3. Can I freeze this dish? This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon reheating. For best results, freeze the chicken and macaroni cheese separately, and then combine when ready to serve.
Pro Tips By Emma
- Perfect Chicken: To ensure the chicken stays juicy, don’t overcook it. Let it rest after cooking to lock in the moisture before slicing.
- Smooth Sauce: Whisk the flour and milk mixture constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
- Flavor Boost: A pinch of mustard powder or a dash of hot sauce can add a subtle flavor boost to the cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a light tomato salad would also complement this hearty meal.
Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet: To cook the chicken and prepare the creamy cheese sauce. A non-stick or stainless steel skillet works well.
- Large Pot: For boiling the elbow macaroni. A big pot ensures the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick.
- Whisk: To stir and blend the milk and flour into a smooth sauce without lumps.
- Tongs or Fork: To flip and handle the chicken while cooking, ensuring even cooking without piercing the meat.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: For precise measurements of the milk, cheese, and flour to achieve the right consistency and flavor.
- Sharp Knife: To slice the cooked chicken into thin, bite-sized strips for serving.
- Colander or Strainer: To drain the cooked macaroni before combining it with the sauce.
- Serving Plates: To plate and serve the finished dish to your family or guests.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Macaroni Cheese:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder optional
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice the chicken into thin strips.
- Cook the Macaroni: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1 minute to make a roux. Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly. Gently fold in the sliced chicken.
- Serve: Serve the creamy macaroni and cheese with the chicken on top, or mix it all together. Garnish with extra grated cheese or fresh herbs for added flavor.