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+ servings

Chicken Mac and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese dish with tender chicken, perfect for a comforting family meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt to taste
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour sifted
  • 2 cups milk whole or 2%, warmed
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1/2 tsp mustard powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
For Topping (Optional)
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs for a crunchy topping
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside. Do not rinse, as this will remove the starch that helps the sauce adhere.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cooked chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and slightly golden.
Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This helps to thicken the sauce.
  2. Gradually add the warmed milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, mustard powder, and paprika. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine and Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken mixture, and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is well coated.
  2. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. If desired, mix the bread crumbs and parmesan cheese together and sprinkle over the top for added crunch.
  3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve
  1. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly for easier serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition. You can also use different types of cheese for varied flavors.

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