Chicken Mac and Cheese

This extra creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with rich cheese sauce and savory pasta shells. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this one-skillet meal promises to delight your taste buds and satisfy your cravings. The standout quality lies in its effortless preparation and the decadent flavors that make it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Creamy Cheese Sauce: The rich cheese sauce coats every bite, delivering maximum flavor.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the dish with your favorite cheeses or add vegetables for extra nutrition.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Enjoy fewer dishes to wash, thanks to this simple cooking method.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Great for families or gatherings, everyone will love this comfort food classic.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing Chicken Mac and Cheese requires a few essential tools to make the process smooth and efficient. Gathering these tools beforehand will help you create your dish without any hiccups.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Measuring cup
• Silicone spatula
• Meat mallet
• Pot for boiling pasta

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for searing chicken and making the cheese sauce all in one pan.
• Silicone spatula: Perfect for scraping the skillet clean, ensuring no flavor is lost when adding ingredients.

Ingredients

This extra creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is easy to make in one skillet and has the BEST cheese sauce with juicy bites of seared chicken and savory pasta shells.

For the Sauce

• 1 ½ cups half and half
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ chicken bouillon cube
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic powder, parsley
• ¼ teaspoon EACH: paprika, pepper

For the Chicken

• 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
• Salt/pepper (to taste)
• 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Cheesy Pasta

• ½ cup dry white wine (see notes)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 ¾ cups shredded cheddar cheese (see notes)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ lb. small or medium shells (see notes)

How to Make Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce Ingredients

Combine the sauce ingredients in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.

Step 2: Boil Water for Pasta

Begin boiling a pot of salted water for the pasta while you proceed with the following steps.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Cover with saran wrap and use the textured side of a meat mallet to pound it to ½ inch thick.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken dry and season each side with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until a golden crust has developed. Set aside and let rest for 10 minutes, then cut into bite-sized pieces.

Step 6: Deglaze with Wine

Turn off the heat. Add the wine and set it back to medium. Use a silicone spatula to “clean” the bottom and sides of the skillet; this adds more flavor to your sauce. Reduce the wine by half, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 7: Create Roux

Melt butter in the same skillet, then stir in flour. Cook for 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously until there is no raw flour smell.

Step 8: Add Sauce Mixture

Add the sauce mixture gradually in small splashes while stirring continuously to maintain thickness.

Step 9: Simmer While Cooking Pasta

Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to simmer partially covered while cooking pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain once cooked, stirring occasionally as pasta cooks.

Step 10: Incorporate Cheese

Reduce heat of sauce to low. Gradually sprinkle in cheese while stirring continuously until combined.

Step 11: Combine Ingredients

Add drained pasta and cooked chicken; stir well to combine. There will be plenty of cheese sauce that will absorb into pasta upon standing. Serve warm!

How to Serve Chicken Mac and Cheese

Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal even more delightful.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped parsley or chives can add a fresh touch and brighten up the rich flavors of the dish.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the Chicken Mac and Cheese over a bed of baby spinach or arugula for added nutrition and crunch.

Topped with Breadcrumbs

• Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top before serving for an extra layer of texture and flavor.

With Hot Sauce

• A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the dish, adding a spicy kick that complements the creamy sauce.

Accompanied by Garlic Bread

• Pairing it with garlic bread creates a perfect balance of flavors, making for a hearty meal.

As Individual Portions

• Serve in ramekins for individual servings; this adds an elegant touch for dinner parties or family gatherings.

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How to Perfect Chicken Mac and Cheese

Perfecting Chicken Mac and Cheese involves attention to detail during preparation. Here are some tips that will help you achieve the best results.

• Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor. A mix of sharp and mild cheddar can enhance taste complexity.
• Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta just until al dente; it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce, preventing mushiness.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your cheese sauce before adding pasta. Adjust seasonings according to your preference for the perfect balance.
• Let It Rest: Allow the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking. This helps thicken the sauce, making it creamier.
• Experiment with Add-ins: Consider adding vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Garnish Creatively: Use fresh herbs, crispy bacon bits, or even crushed red pepper flakes as garnishes to enhance presentation and taste.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Mac and Cheese

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Mac and Cheese can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrients, balancing out the richness of the mac and cheese.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides crispness and tang, complementing the creamy pasta perfectly.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Roasted seasonal vegetables offer sweetness and char that pairs nicely with this hearty main course.
4. Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw can provide crunch and acidity, cutting through the richness of the cheese sauce.
5. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy garlic mashed potatoes bring another layer of comfort food to the table.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are delightful alongside savory chicken mac and cheese, offering a sweet contrast.
7. Green Beans Almondine: Sautéed green beans with almonds provide freshness and crunch, enhancing your meal’s texture.
8. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can cleanse the palate after rich bites of mac and cheese, making it a refreshing end to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Mac and Cheese, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping the seasoning: Many people forget to season the chicken properly. Always add salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the flavor.
• Not measuring ingredients: Precision is key in cooking. Use measuring cups and spoons for ingredients like flour and cheese to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you overcook the pasta, it will become mushy when combined with the sauce. Cook it just until al dente for a better texture.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Rushing this step can result in clumpy cheese sauce. Gradually sprinkle in the cheese while stirring continuously for a smooth outcome.
• Neglecting to rest the chicken: Cutting into the chicken right after cooking can cause juices to run out. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing for juicier pieces.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep your Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Store in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat. Stir occasionally until heated, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Mac and Cheese.

How can I make my Chicken Mac and Cheese extra creamy?

To make your Chicken Mac and Cheese even creamier, consider adding more cheese or a splash of heavy cream during cooking.

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even blue cheese for unique flavors in your Chicken Mac and Cheese.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?

Yes! You can use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of cheese, or add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli for added nutrients.

What can I serve with Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Chicken Mac and Cheese pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Final Thoughts

This creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is not only delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite cheeses or additional veggies. It’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering comfort food that everyone loves. Give it a try today!