Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese in 30 Minutes
introduction
Craving a hearty meal that brings comfort to your table without spending hours in the kitchen? This Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese recipe is your go-to solution. Combining tender chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni, it’s a dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your schedule. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute recipe delivers the rich flavors of a classic comfort food with the added bonus of protein-packed chicken. Whether you’re cooking for family or simply treating yourself, this dish offers a delightful balance of convenience and indulgence.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a comforting, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken with cheesy macaroni, it offers a hearty meal that’s both quick to prepare and delightful to eat.
Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those seeking a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Family-Friendly: Its rich, cheesy flavor and tender chicken pieces make it a hit among both adults and children, ensuring clean plates all around.
Versatile: Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie, or freshly cooked, this dish adapts to what you have on hand, making it a flexible option for any day.
Comfort Food Classic: The creamy cheese sauce enveloping the macaroni and chicken provides a warm, satisfying experience that’s perfect for any season.
Nutrient-Rich: Incorporating chicken adds a good source of protein, making this indulgent dish a more balanced meal option.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this Chicken Macaroni and Cheese recipe offers a delightful combination of taste, convenience, and comfort.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Macaroni and Cheese:
- 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Topping:
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
These ingredients combine to create a creamy, cheesy chicken pasta that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a sizable pot with water, adding a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil.
- Introduce the elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook according to the package directions until the pasta is firm to the bite.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- Warm one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat.
- Sprinkle some salt and pepper on the diced chicken breast.
- Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and no longer pink.
- Take the chicken out of the pan and put it to the side.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt a couple tablespoons of butter in the same pan over medium heat.
- Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes until translucent.
- Toss in the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds, just until it smells great.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Continue to cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
- Turn the heat down low and mix in the cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
- Keep stirring until the cheese melts all the way and the sauce turns nice and creamy.
Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni and chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce.
- Gently stir to combine, ensuring the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Step 5: Serve
- Remove the skillet from heat.
- Serve the chicken macaroni and cheese hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Jump to Recipe
Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese in 30 Minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk or a milk-cream blend for extra richness
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional, for a crunchy topping
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Pasta:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Make the Roux:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes.
Create the Cheese Sauce:
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
- Continue stirring and allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.
Combine Chicken and Pasta:
- Fold in the cooked chicken and prepared macaroni into the sauce.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Optional Baked Finish:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F if you prefer a baked version.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into an ovenproof dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden brown.
Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, protein-packed meal!
Notes
- Calories: ~550
- Total Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Sugar: 4 g
Pro Tips and Variations
Elevate your Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese with these expert tips and creative twists. Whether you’re aiming for extra creaminess, a protein boost, or a new flavor profile, these suggestions will help you customize the dish to your liking.
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Create a Velvety Cheese Sauce: Opt for freshly grated cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded types, as the latter often include additives that can hinder smooth melting.
- Avoid a Gritty Consistency: Stir in the cheese after removing the sauce from the heat; excessive heat can break the cheese down into a grainy texture.
- Achieve Ideal Pasta Firmness: Boil the macaroni just until it’s al dente, ensuring it holds its bite when mixed with the creamy sauce.
- Boost Flavor with a Bold Accent: Consider finishing the dish with crumbled blue cheese to add a spicy, tangy twist.
Flavorful Variations to Try
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Mix in shredded cooked chicken tossed with buffalo sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of blue cheese for an extra kick.
- Green Chile Chicken Mac and Cheese: Incorporate the diced green chiles and pepper jack cheese into the sauce, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to impart a Southwestern touch.
- BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Stir in chopped barbecue chicken and a handful of caramelized onions, then top with a light dusting of smoked gouda.
- Vegetable-Loaded Mac and Cheese: Incorporate steamed broccoli or lightly sautéed spinach to boost nutrition and color.
- Baked Mac and Cheese: Transfer your prepared mac and cheese into a baking dish, top with a mix of breadcrumbs and melted butter, and bake until the surface turns golden and bubbly.
Feel free to mix and match these tips and variations to create a version of Chicken Macaroni and Cheese that perfectly suits your taste and dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions for Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Transform your Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese into a well-rounded meal with these delightful side dishes. Each option complements the creamy, cheesy goodness of the main dish, adding variety and balance to your plate.
Vegetables
- Steamed Broccoli:A classic pairing, steamed broccoli adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the rich flavors of mac and cheese.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts:Their caramelized edges and nutty flavor provide a delightful textural contrast.
- Garlic Roasted Zucchini:Lightly seasoned and roasted to perfection, zucchini offers a mild flavor that complements the dish.
- Cabbage Slaw:A tangy, crunchy slaw can cut through the creaminess, adding a refreshing bite.
Salads
- Simple Green Salad A mix of fresh greens with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp, refreshing contras.
- Kale Caesar Salad The hearty texture of kale paired with a creamy dressing adds depth to your mea.
- Cucumber Salad with Grapes and Almonds This sweet and savory combination offers a unique twist to traditional salad.
Breads
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover cheese saue.
- No-Knead Skillet Bread: A rustic, hearty bread that adds substance to your mel.
- Crescent Rolls: Soft, flaky rolls that are easy to serve and enjoy alongside your main dih.
Soups
- Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, the acidity of tomato soup balances the richness of mac and chese.
- Creamy Cucumber Soup: Light and refreshing, this soup adds a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy pata.
These side dishes not only enhance the flavors of your Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese but also add color and nutrition to your ma.Feel free to mix and match to suit your preferences and create a dining experience that’s both satisfying and delightul.
Conclusion
In just 30 minutes, you’ve crafted a satisfying, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese combines tender chicken with rich, cheesy pasta, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Feel free to personalize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that comes with every bite of this homemade comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if the cheese sauce thickens too much?
If the sauce becomes overly dense, gradually stir in a splash of milk or cream on low heat. This slow addition will help restore the sauce to a smooth, creamy consistency.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the dish in advance by assembling it as directed. Cover it well and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When it’s time to bake, let it come to room temperature and then bake it, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any remaining chicken macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving to ensure the dish retains its quality and flavor.
Can I add other ingredients to modify the flavor?
Absolutely. You can boost the nutrition by adding vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or peas. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan for a unique taste, and if you like a hint of spice, try adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Is it acceptable to use another pasta shape?
Yes, although elbow macaroni is traditional, you can substitute it with penne, fusilli, or shells—just choose a shape that holds the sauce well and suits your taste.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Certainly! Omit the chicken and consider adding plant-based proteins like chickpeas or tofu. You can also enhance the dish with a variety of vegetables to maintain a hearty and satisfying meal.
What can I serve with this dish?
Pair your chicken macaroni and cheese with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light vinaigrette salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
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