Ultimate Cheesy Mac with Chicken
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this *Ultimate Cheesy Mac with Chicken*—a rich and creamy baked macaroni and cheese dish elevated with tender, perfectly seasoned chicken. Featuring a decadent cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, melty mozzarella, and savory Parmesan, this recipe delivers layers of bold, satisfying flavor in every bite. The crispy panko-Parmesan topping adds a delightful crunch, while the smoked paprika-seasoned chicken brings a smoky, savory twist. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings, this cheesy sensation is easy to prepare, oven-baked to golden perfection, and topped with fresh parsley for a touch of elegance. If you’re looking for a hearty, homestyle meal that’s sure to impress, this creamy chicken mac and cheese is your new go-to recipe!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese (additional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove from the skillet and let them rest for 5 minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is lightly golden.
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth, thickened sauce. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt (to taste), and black pepper (to taste). Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine the cooked macaroni, diced chicken, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix well to ensure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and additional grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni and chicken mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
4661 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 332.9 g | 427% | |
| Saturated Fat | 185.8 g | 929% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 1186 mg | 395% | |
| Sodium | 7631 mg | 332% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 117.6 g | 43% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.2 g | ||
| Protein | 281.0 g | 562% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.7 mcg | 44% | |
| Calcium | 4915 mg | 378% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 2180 mg | 46% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
