🍗 Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
A creamy, cheesy comfort dish loaded with tender chicken and pasta — perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals.
📝 Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or other small pasta)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ tsp paprika or cayenne for a little kick
- Optional topping: breadcrumbs and a little extra cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
- Cook pasta:
Boil macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Make cheese sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux, cooking 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. - Add cheese and seasonings:
Stir in shredded cheese until melted. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional paprika or cayenne. - Combine chicken and pasta:
Add cooked chicken and macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir until evenly coated. - Optional bake:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
✨ Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and extra flavor.
- For a creamier texture, stir in ½ cup cream cheese or sour cream.
- Add vegetables like peas, broccoli, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition.
If you want, I can also give a slow-cooker version so you can have this dish warm and ready with minimal effort.
