Claire Thompson
Chicken and mac and cheese is a popular comfort food combination. Chicken mac and cheese can be made with leftover chicken, a rotisserie chicken, or chicken breasts. The chicken can be seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley, and garlic powder, and cooked in olive oil. The sauce can be made with butter, onion, garlic, flour, milk, dry mustard, mozzarella, and cheddar. The dish can be served with toppings such as breadcrumbs, crispy bacon, or butter crumb. Chicken mac and cheese can also be made with a Tuscan twist, using sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasoning. Another variation is Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, which uses gorgonzola or blue cheese, and can be served with celery sticks and beer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Chicken Type | Ground chicken, boneless chicken thighs, chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, chicken carcass |
| Chicken Seasoning | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, celery flakes, dried parsley, garlic, onion |
| Pasta | Elbow macaroni, any medium-sized tube-shaped pasta |
| Cheese | Mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan, gorgonzola, blue cheese |
| Sauce | Tomato-based, creamy, made with butter, flour, milk, half-and-half, Italian seasoning, chicken broth |
| Vegetables | Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, peas, broccoli, mushrooms, celery, baby kale, arugula |
| Toppings | Crispy breadcrumbs, Ritz crackers, butter, hot Cheetos |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken breast or thigh
Chicken is a popular choice of meat to pair with mac and cheese, and chicken breast and thigh are both great options. Chicken breast is leaner, while chicken thigh provides a richer flavour and juicier texture.
Chicken breast is a versatile choice for mac and cheese. It can be baked in barbecue sauce, cubed, or shredded. Chicken breast can also be cooked and shredded in a Dutch oven, along with chicken stock, celery flakes, and other seasonings. Alternatively, you can use precooked chicken or leftover chicken breast.
Chicken thigh, on the other hand, offers a more indulgent and flavourful option. Chicken thighs can be seared and seasoned with salt, pepper, paprika, dried parsley, and oil. They can also be baked in the oven, along with the mac and cheese, for a casserole-style dish.
Both chicken breast and thigh can be added to the mac and cheese, providing a hearty and satisfying meal. The chicken can be sliced into strips and stirred into the pasta, along with any juices, to combine the flavours.
Ultimately, the choice between chicken breast and thigh depends on personal preference for flavour, texture, and nutritional content.
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Spinach, peas, broccoli, and other veggies
Chicken and mac and cheese is a hearty, comforting meal, and it can be made even more nutritious by adding vegetables. Spinach, peas, and broccoli are popular choices that add colour, texture, and vitamins to the dish.
Spinach is a versatile leafy green that can be added to chicken mac and cheese. It has a mild flavour and soft texture, so it won't overpower the other ingredients. Spinach is packed with vitamins and iron, boosting the nutritional value of the dish. To prepare spinach for this recipe, simply wilt the leaves by quickly frying them in a pan.
Peas are another great option, offering a pop of colour and sweetness to the creamy pasta. Frozen peas are convenient and easy to use; simply defrost them slightly before adding to the dish. Peas are a good source of fibre and vitamins, making them a nutritious addition.
Broccoli is a popular choice to pair with chicken and mac and cheese. Fresh broccoli florets can be cooked alongside the pasta, ensuring they retain a slight bite. Broccoli adds a nice crunch and a boost of vitamins and fibre. It's a simple way to make the dish healthier without sacrificing flavour.
Other vegetables can also be added to chicken mac and cheese, such as sautéed mushrooms, kale, carrots, or even Brussels sprouts. These veggies can be sneaked into the cheesy sauce, making it a great way to get some extra nutrients into your diet or someone else's, especially if they are picky eaters.
When adding vegetables to chicken mac and cheese, it's important to consider the cooking times and textures of each ingredient. You want to ensure the vegetables are cooked through but still retain some bite, so they don't become mushy.
So, feel free to experiment with spinach, peas, broccoli, and other veggies to create a delicious and nutritious chicken mac and cheese!
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Mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan
Chicken mac and cheese is a popular comfort food, and it's easy to see why. This dish is a tasty blend of protein and carbs, with the option to add vegetables for a nutritional boost.
For a truly indulgent meal, try a Tuscan chicken mac and cheese. This Italian twist on the classic comfort food includes sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Italian seasonings. The creamy sauce is made with a combination of mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan, which melt together beautifully.
To make this dish, start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. In the same skillet, sauté onions for 3-5 minutes until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Sprinkle in flour and stir, then whisk in milk and dry mustard. Add the mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan, whisking until melted. Finally, add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and stir everything together. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. For an extra crispy topping, melt butter in a skillet, stir through breadcrumbs, and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before serving.
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Breadcrumbs
How to Make Breadcrumbs
To make breadcrumbs, start with stale bread. Fresh bread can be used, but it should be toasted first to drive out moisture. Tear the bread into chunks and place them in a food processor or blender. Pulse the bread until it reaches the desired consistency. To make the breadcrumbs finer, sift them through a sieve and pulse any larger pieces again.
Types of Bread to Use
Any type of bread can be used to make breadcrumbs, but different types will impart different flavours. White bread is a common choice, but whole wheat bread will add a nuttier flavour. For a heartier flavour, rye or pumpernickel bread can be used.
Storing Breadcrumbs
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Buffalo chicken
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, cubed
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Cayenne pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 teaspoon celery flakes
- 1 full stick butter
- Almond or regular flour
- Milk
- Hot sauce (e.g. buffalo sauce, habanero sauce, creamy garlic hot sauce)
- Cheese (e.g. cheddar, Monterey Jack, blue cheese crumbles, gorgonzola, parmesan)
- Macaroni
- Bacon (optional)
- Ritz crackers (optional)
- Butter crumb topping (optional)
- Hot Cheetos (optional)
Method:
- Season the chicken breast with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven and add the chicken.
- Once the chicken is halfway cooked, add chicken stock and celery flakes. Simmer until the liquid is gone.
- Remove from heat and shred the chicken. Set aside.
- Make a roux with butter and flour.
- Add milk and stir until thickened.
- Add cheese and stir until melted.
- Stir in hot sauce to taste.
- Add the shredded chicken, macaroni, and, if using, bacon.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with, if desired, crushed Ritz crackers and butter.
- Bake at 350F for 15 minutes.
- Let it rest for 20 minutes before serving.
Tips:
- For extra spice, add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- For a less spicy dish, reduce the amount of hot sauce and mix with buffalo sauce.
- If you don't like gorgonzola, you can substitute it with blue cheese crumbles.
- For a crunchy topping, add a buttery, toasted panko.
- Serve with celery sticks and beer.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many recipes that incorporate chicken into mac and cheese, including Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese, Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese, and Chicken Mac and Cheese.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is a popular choice for chicken mac and cheese, but some recipes call for chicken thighs, ground chicken, or leftover chicken.
In addition to chicken and macaroni, common ingredients in chicken mac and cheese include olive oil, onion, garlic, butter, flour, milk, and cheese. Popular cheese options include mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan.
