Best 18 Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Chicken mac and cheese is a classic dish that combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the savory flavor of chicken. This dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. Whether you like your mac and cheese creamy or cheesy, or prefer a crispy or gooey topping, there is a chicken mac and cheese recipe out there for you.

Here are our top 18 tried and tested recipes!

BUFFALO CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE



Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese image

I saw my local ballpark was introducing Buffalo chicken mac and cheese and thought it was a great idea! This is what I whipped up. Serve with celery sticks and beer. Let me know what you think.

Provided by Matt R

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Chicken

Time 35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 rotisserie-roasted chicken
6 tablespoons butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 pinch ground black pepper
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup hot sauce (such as Frank's® Redhot®), or more to taste
½ cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Cut wings and legs off rotisserie chicken. Skin and bone wings and legs; chop or shred dark meat into bite-size pieces.
  • Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in flour gradually until a thick paste forms. Cook until golden, about 1 minute. Pour in milk, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Continue to cook until sauce is smooth, about 1 minute more. Reduce heat and season sauce with black pepper.
  • Stir Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese into the sauce until melted and combined. Stir in hot sauce, adjusting to reach desired level of spiciness. Add blue cheese, chicken, and macaroni; mix well to combine.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 780.7 calories, Carbohydrate 51.7 g, Cholesterol 157.1 mg, Fat 41.9 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 47.3 g, SaturatedFat 22.5 g, Sodium 977.8 mg, Sugar 6.3 g

CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY



Creamy Tuscan Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe by Tasty image

This quick and easy one-pot recipe is sure to be a dinner favorite. Chicken and pasta are smothered in a creamy, cheesy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce. Some of the ingredients are customizable-don't have kale? Use baby spinach. No milk? Use half and half. Throw in your favorite pasta and cheeses and enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth meal!

Provided by Andrew Pollock

Categories     Dinner

Time 55m

Yield 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more for boiling pasta
1 lb medium shell pasta, penne or bowtie can also be used
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¾ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 cup yellow onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil, julienne-style, drained
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk, or half and half
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 bunch tuscan kale, stemmed and sliced
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup white cheddar cheese, grated
½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, then transfer to a large bowl, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
  • Season the chicken breasts on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook, flipping halfway, until golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 12 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly, then chop into ½-inch cubes.
  • In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Carefully pour in the white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then simmer until the liquid has fully evaporated, 2-3 minutes. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir to incorporate.
  • Sprinkle in the flour and stir until the vegetables are fully coated. Cook for 2 minutes, until the flour is golden brown and smells nutty. Add the milk, oregano, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper, and the kale. Cook, stirring often, until the kale has wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the mozzarella, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses and stir until fully melted and incorporated, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir until well coated in the sauce. Stir in the chicken.
  • Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the mac and cheese with the parsley and serve immediately with more Parmesan cheese for topping.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 667 calories, Carbohydrate 68 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 42 grams, Sugar 16 grams

MAC AND CHEDDAR CHEESE WITH CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI



Mac and Cheddar Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield Yield: 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, 2 turns of the pan
1 pound chicken breast tenders, chopped
Salt and pepper
1 small onion, chopped
1 pound macaroni elbows or cavatapi corkscrew shaped pasta twists
2 1/2 cups raw broccoli florets, available packaged in produce department
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
3 cups whole milk
1 cup chicken stock
3 cups yellow sharp Cheddar
1 tablespoon prepared Dijon mustard

Steps:

  • Place a pot of water on to boil for macaroni.
  • Heat a medium pan over medium to medium high heat. Add extra-virgin olive oil and chicken and season with salt and pepper. Saute a couple of minutes then add onion and cook another 5 to 7 minutes until onions are tender and chicken is cooked through. Turn off heat and reserve.
  • To boiling pasta water, add pasta and salt to season the cooking water. Cook 5 minutes, then add broccoli and cook 3 minutes more or until pasta is cooked to al dente and florets are just tender.
  • While pasta cooks, heat a medium sauce pot over medium heat. Add butter and melt, then add flour, cayenne and paprika and whisk together over heat until roux bubbles then cook a minute more. Whisk in milk and stock and raise heat a little to bring sauce to a quick boil. Simmer sauce to thicken about 5 minutes.
  • Drain macaroni or pasta and broccoli florets. Add back to pot and add chicken to the pasta and broccoli.
  • Add cheese to milk sauce and stir to melt it in, about a minute or so. Stir in mustard and season sauce with salt and pepper. Pour sauce over chicken and broccoli and cooked pasta and stir to combine. Adjust seasonings, transfer to a large serving platter and serve.

CHILI-CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE



Chili-Chicken Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
12 ounces elbow macaroni
1 1/4 cups 2% milk
2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend (8 ounces)
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken breast (skin removed)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 bunch scallions, chopped
2 teaspoons chili powder
Freshly ground pepper
1 12-ounce container pico de gallo or fresh salsa (about 1 cup)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Drain, rinse under cold water and return to the pot. Toss with 1/4 cup milk. Top with the cheese and chicken (do not stir).
  • Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallions, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add half of the pico de gallo. Cook, stirring, until the scallions soften, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons butter and swirl to melt. Sprinkle in the flour; cook, stirring, until a paste forms, about 1 minute. Gradually stir in the broth and the remaining 1 cup milk. Bring to a simmer; cook, stirring occasionally, until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 6 minutes.
  • Add the sauce to the pot with the pasta. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup pico de gallo.

SUNNY'S EASY CHIPOTLE CHICKEN BAKED MAC AND CHEESE



Sunny's Easy Chipotle Chicken Baked Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories     side-dish

Time 3h20m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

One 7-ounce can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, split
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon butter or butter-flavored cooking spray, for coating the casserole dish
Kosher salt
16 ounces penne pasta
4 cups heavy cream
16 ounces shredded cheese blend (Mexican or taco blend)
1 1/3 cups Mexican crema
2 tablespoons all-purpose or wheat flour
1/8 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
4 scallions, white and green parts, finely chopped
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup crushed corn tortilla chips (just about the texture of sand)
8 ounces shredded cheese blend (Mexican or taco blend)

Steps:

  • For the chicken and pasta: Remove 4 to 5 chipotle peppers and a bit of adobo sauce from the can and rub it all over the chicken; measure out 2 tablespoons of the adobo sauce and set aside for later (reserve any remaining chiles and adobo sauce from the can for another use). Rest the chicken in a bowl or on a plate for 2 hours total, refrigerated first for 1 1/2 hours, then at room temperature for an additional 30 minutes.
  • In a large pot, add the garlic, chicken and the chipotle peppers from the marinade. Add just enough water to cover, then bring to a boil on medium high. Once boiling, turn the heat to the lowest setting and poach the chicken until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and rest (reserve the poaching water for cooking the pasta). Fish out the peppers and discard them; place the garlic cloves in a large bowl and smash them with the back of a spoon or your hands. Once the chicken is cool enough to touch, shred it by hand into bite-size pieces.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Use the butter or cooking spray to coat the bottom and sides of a 13-by-9-inch casserole dish.
  • In the same pot used to poach the chicken, add more water to the poaching water and a nice pinch of salt and bring the pot back to a boil (watch the water; it may foam up a bit from the poaching process). Add the pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package suggests. Drain the pasta in a colander.
  • For the sauce: In the large bowl with the garlic, add the heavy cream, cheese, crema, flour, pepper, scallions, eggs, reserved 2 tablespoons adobo sauce, shredded chicken and cooked pasta. Stir to combine. Pour into the prepared dish.
  • For the topping: In a medium bowl, toss together the crushed chips and cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the dish. Bake, uncovered, until golden brown on top, about 30 minutes.

CHICKEN AND SPINACH MAC AND CHEESE



Chicken and Spinach Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup elbow macaroni
3 cups pulled rotisserie chicken, skin reserved
4 tablespoons butter
4 cups fresh baby spinach
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk
1 1/4 cups freshly grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup chicken stock
1 tablespoon lemon juice (from about 1/2 lemon)
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
4 dashes hot sauce

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, place the chicken skin in a large nonstick saute pan over medium heat, being careful to keep the skin as flat as possible. Cook, flipping over halfway, for about 2 minutes, until the skin is crisp and the fat has rendered out. Remove the skin from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
  • Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add the spinach and wilt for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Remove the spinach from the pan and set aside.
  • To the same pan, add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and melt over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking continuously, until the mixture is free of any lumps and light tan in color, about 1 minute. Lower the heat to medium, slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly, and cook until the mixture is slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Add the cheese, whisking to combine, and cook until it is melted and the sauce is smooth. Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the chicken stock, lemon juice, yellow mustard and hot sauce. Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
  • Add the drained pasta, wilted spinach and pulled chicken to the sauce. Stir to combine. Crumble the crispy chicken skin on top and serve immediately.

FLORENTINE MAC AND CHEESE AND ROAST CHICKEN SAUSAGE MEATBALLS



Florentine Mac and Cheese and Roast Chicken Sausage Meatballs image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

Salt
1 pound cavatappi corkscrew shaped hallow pasta
1 1/2 pounds ground chicken
Black pepper
2 to 3 sprigs fresh rosemary, leaves stripped and finely chopped
2 teaspoons fennel seeds
3 cloves garlic, grated
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 1/2 cups grated Parmigiano Reggiano, divided
1 egg
3/4 cup bread crumbs, plus more, if needed*
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 boxes, 10 ounces, chopped frozen spinach
3 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup chicken stock
1 cup whole milk
1/8 teaspoon grated nutmeg, eyeball it

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
  • Place a large pot of water on to boil for pasta. When it comes to a boil, salt it and add the pasta to cook to al dente. Strain pasta reserving 1 cup cooking liquid.
  • While the water is coming to a boil, in a large mixing bowl combine the chicken, salt and pepper, rosemary, fennel seeds, garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano - a rounded handful, egg and bread crumbs. *If the mixture seems too wet, add a handful of bread crumbs and mix together.
  • Form 8 large round balls, about 3 to 4-inches. Coat balls in a couple of tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil and lightly grease a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil. Arrange balls on the baking sheet and roast 17 to 18 minutes until juices run clear.
  • Defrost spinach in microwave 8 to 10 minutes on "defrost" setting depending on the microwave. Place the boxes in a shallow dish to catch any run off.
  • While the meatballs roast, in a medium sauce pot over medium heat, melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute then whisk in stock and milk, season with salt, pepper and nutmeg and thicken 5 to 6 minutes. Stir in the remaining 1 cup grated Parmigiano and reduce heat on lowest setting.
  • Wring spinach completely dry in clean kitchen towel then separate as you add it to the sauce. Also add the reserved 1 cup pasta cooking liquid.
  • Toss pasta with the spinach-white sauce and adjust seasonings.
  • Serve Florentine Mac-n-Cheese with 2 meatballs per person along side.

BROCCOLI AND CHICKEN BAKED MAC & CHEESE



Broccoli and Chicken Baked Mac & Cheese image

I was really craving baked macaroni and cheese one night so I decided to throw in some other items to make a meal out of it. Everyone loved it and my step-daughter asked if I could make it once a week. It is cheesy and fantastic with veggies and chicken added so you don't have to worry about making side dishes. This fed our family of five and gave my hubby leftovers for work. See the last step for make ahead information.

Provided by PSU Lioness

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 lb chicken breast, diced
olive oil
8 ounces broccoli florets, cooked and chopped (I used a little over a half of a regular sized bag of frozen broccoli cuts. Use more or less to fit )
1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cheddar cheese soup
1 (10 ounce) can evaporated milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/4 cup parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt
6 tablespoons butter (or 3/4 of a stick)
2 (8 ounce) bricks sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded (I shredded them in a food processor)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350.
  • Heat about 1 tbsp olive oil in a large saucepan over Medium/High heat. Add chicken to the pan and saute until done, seasoning with salt and pepper if preferred.
  • If broccoli florets are not already cooked and chopped, do this now. You can buy frozen chopped broccoli to save time.
  • Add chicken and broccoli to the already cooked macaroni pasta. Toss to make sure it is well mixed.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cheddar cheese soup, evaporated milk, sour cream, milk, Parmesan and seasoned salt. Add the butter after everything else is mixed.
  • Cover with plastic wrap and cut a few slits in the top to vent.
  • Microwave for 4 minutes to melt butter and heat the rest of the soup mixture. Make sure butter is melted when finished. If not, stir and microwave for another minute or two.
  • To assemble the macaroni, layer 1/2 of the macaroni/chicken/broccoli mixture in the bottom of a sprayed 9x13 glass baking dish. Top with half of the cheese soup mixture. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
  • Repeat all three layers one more time.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 25 minutes or until the edges are bubbly and the cheese on top is melted. If the top is already browned, skip the next step.
  • Turn oven to BROIL and allow macaroni to remain in the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese on top is lightly browned. You may even want to keep the oven door open a crack to watch the top and make sure it doesn't burn.
  • You can make this a day or two ahead of time, cover with plastic wrap and keep in the fridge until you are ready to bake it. Just remove it from the fridge about 45 minutes before baking so it comes up to room temperature and cooks evenly.

CHICKEN-AND-BROCCOLINI MAC AND CHEESE



Chicken-and-Broccolini Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for baking dish
2 cups whole milk
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken-breast halves, cut in half horizontally
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
8 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces
Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
12 ounces wide egg noodles
12 ounces Broccolini or broccoli florets
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 1/2 cups)
1 cup coarse fresh breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Brush a 3-quart broiler-proof baking dish with oil. Bring milk to a simmer in a pot. Add chicken; simmer until cooked, 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Remove pot from heat; whisk in mustard and cream cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Shred chicken. Cook noodles in a pot of boiling salted water 3 minutes. Add Broccolini; cook until noodles and Broccolini are al dente, 2 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water. Drain noodles and Broccolini; toss with chicken, sauce, pasta water, and cheddar. Transfer to baking dish.
  • Toss breadcrumbs with oil; sprinkle over casserole. Cover with parchment-lined foil; bake 20 minutes. Uncover casserole; increase heat to broil. Cook until top is golden brown in places and breadcrumbs are crisp, 4 to 5 minutes.

GARLIC CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE



Garlic Chicken Mac and Cheese image

A hearty macaroni and cheese dish jazzed up with garlic and chicken. I get requests for this at EVERY potluck! I experimented to get this dish after eating out at Dave and Buster's in Philadelphia, PA. This is my take on it.

Provided by Ruth Mayhan-Evinger

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Chicken

Time 1h25m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

cooking spray
4 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons garlic powder, or to taste, divided
1 (16 ounce) package macaroni
½ cup butter, divided
¼ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 pound Cheddar cheese, shredded
2 sleeves buttery round crackers (such as Ritz®), crushed

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F (230 degrees C).
  • Prepare a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium heat. Cook chicken in skillet until no longer pink in the center, 5 to 7 minutes; season with 1 tablespoon garlic powder and transfer to a baking dish.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain and mix with chicken in the baking dish.
  • Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large pot over medium heat. Cook flour in melted butter until the flour is cooked and the mixture forms a roux, about 5 minutes. Stream milk into the pot while stirring to mix with the roux completely; cook until just about simmering, about 5 minutes more. Add Cheddar cheese in small amounts to the sauce and stir to melt completely before adding the next portion; cook and stir until thick and smooth, 2 to 3 minutes. Pour the sauce over the chicken and macaroni; stir to coat.
  • Melt 1/4 cup butter in the skillet in which you cooked the chicken over medium heat. Stir remaining tablespoon garlic powder into the melted butter; cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and stir crushed crackers into the butter mixture to coat; spread over the chicken and macaroni mixture in the baking dish.
  • Bake in preheated oven until the topping is crispy, 35 to 45 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 851.1 calories, Carbohydrate 69.3 g, Cholesterol 138.2 mg, Fat 44.9 g, Fiber 2.7 g, Protein 41.1 g, SaturatedFat 23.7 g, Sodium 775.1 mg, Sugar 9.5 g

MAC AND CHEESE WITH CHICKEN AND BROCCOLI



Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli image

Provided by Brian S. Hale

Categories     Cheese     Chicken     Dairy     Herb     Pasta     Vegetable     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Back to School     Cheddar     Broccoli     Fontina     Bon Appétit     Small Plates

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound skinless boneless chicken breasts
Olive oil (for brushing)
2 heads of broccoli, cut into florets (about 5 cups)
2 tablespoons (1/4 stick) unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
4 cups whipping cream
1 cup grated Fontina cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 cup grated cheddar cheese (about 4 ounces)
1 pound pasta shells, freshly cooked
1/2 bunch fresh chives, chopped

Steps:

  • Prepare barbecue (medium heat). Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Brush both sides with olive oil. Grill until cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. Dice chicken and set aside. Cook broccoli in medium pot of boiling salted water until crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Set aside.
  • Melt butter in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually mix in cream. Bring to boil, reduce heat, and simmer 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add both cheeses and stir until sauce is smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add pasta, chicken, and broccoli to sauce; mix well. Garnish with chives and serve.

CHIPOTLE CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE WITH BACON BREAD CRUMBS #RSC



Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese With Bacon Bread Crumbs #RSC image

Ready, Set, Cook! Hidden Valley Contest Entry. It has a great ranch taste with a kick of spice and smokiness from the chipotle peppers. The bacon bread crumbs add a unique taste and crunch to the whole recipe that makes it wonderfully delicious. It will be an instant favorite for your whole family.

Provided by hmisafiris

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time 1h10m

Yield 8-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size pieces
4 chipotle peppers, minced with
2 tablespoons adobo seasoning, plus
2 tablespoons adobo seasoning, for sauce (add more peppers and adobo if desired for more heat)
3 ounces butter
1/2 onion, minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 ounces all-purpose flour
8 ounces chicken stock
16 ounces half-and-half
8 ounces Hidden Valley® Original Ranch® Dressing
9 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (kerrygold dubbliner)
1 lb macaroni, cooked
kosher salt
3 slices thick cut bacon
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup chives, chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped

Steps:

  • Preheat oven 350.
  • Melt the butter in a pot over medium heat. Add the onions and sweat for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and sweat for 1 minute or until the onions are translucent. Using a wooden spoon stir in the flour until fully incorporated. Slowly add the chicken stock, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and reduce heat to almost low and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • While the mixture is simmering heat a sauté pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat until it is almost smoking. Add chicken, season with salt and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through. Add chipotle peppers with 2 tbsp adobo and toss to coat. Toss the chicken with the cooked macaroni and put in a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside.
  • To finish the cheese sauce bring half and half to a gentle simmer and slowly mix in to roux. Add the ranch, cheddar, and 2 tbsp adobo and mix to combine. Season with salt to taste. Add cheese sauce to the baking dish and mix to combine with macaroni and chicken. Sprinkle with bacon bread crumbs and bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. (If desired after baking use the broiler to achieve a more brown and crisp top).
  • For bacon bread crumbs cook bacon till crispy, allow to cool, and then finely mince. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and toss to mix. Bacon bread crumbs can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

EASY MAC AND CHEESE VEGGIE CHICKEN CASSEROLE FROM COUNTRY CROCK®



Easy Mac and Cheese Veggie Chicken Casserole from Country Crock® image

Cooked pasta is combined with cheese, diced cooked chicken, and veggies then popped in the oven for a quick, family-pleasing, one-dish dinner.

Provided by Country Crock®

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Country Crock®

Time 40m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

4 tablespoons Country Crock® Spread, melted, divided
1 cup 2% milk
8 ounces dry rotini pasta, cooked and drained
2 cups diced cooked chicken
4 cups assorted frozen vegetables, thawed
2 ¼ cups finely shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
¼ cup plain dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Combine 3 tablespoons Country Crock® Spread, milk, rotini, chicken, vegetables and cheddar cheese in 8-inch baking dish.
  • Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and remaining Spread in small bowl; sprinkle over top of casserole.
  • Bake until heated through and crumbs are toasted, about 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 413.7 calories, Carbohydrate 47.1 g, Cholesterol 36.3 mg, Fat 12.4 g, Fiber 5.8 g, Protein 29.2 g, SaturatedFat 4.4 g, Sodium 466.4 mg, Sugar 3.6 g

KING RANCH CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE - (4.7/5)



King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - (4.7/5) image

Provided by june

Number Of Ingredients 11

8 oz dried pasta
2 tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 (10 oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (8 oz) pkg Velveeta cheese, cubed
3 cups cooked chicken
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prepare pasta according to package directions. Melt butter in a large dutch oven over medium high heat. Add onion, and sauté 5 minutes, or until tender. Stir in tomatoes and green chilies and Velveeta; cook, stirring constantly 2 minutes, or until cheese melts. Stir in chicken, next 4 ingredients, and hot cooked pasta until blended. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly.

MAC AND CHEESE WITH CHICKEN, TOMATO AND BASIL



Mac and Cheese with Chicken, Tomato and Basil image

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

12 ounces dry elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 cups grated Asiago cheese
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
2 beefsteak tomatoes, peeled, seeded, chopped and drained
1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, torn into large pieces
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a large baking dish. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water.
  • 2. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, until blended and pale yellow. Whisk in the milk, then season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil, stirring until thickened and smooth. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the Asiago and 1 cup Parmesan.
  • 3. Combine the macaroni, sauce, tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl. Add the chicken and stir until combined. Season with salt and pepper. Pour into the baking dish.
  • 4. Mix the panko with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan, parsley, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Sprinkle over the macaroni and bake until heated through and golden, 25 to 30 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

KING RANCH CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE



King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese image

Make and share this King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Pinay0618

Categories     Chicken

Time 45m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 ounces uncooked macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (8 ounce) package Velveeta cheese, cubed
3 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 (10 3/4 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and saute 5 minutes or until tender. Stir in tomatoes and green chiles and prepared cheese product; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until cheese melts. Stir in chicken, next 4 ingredients, and hot cooked pasta until blended. Spoon mixture into a lightly greased 10-inch cast-iron skillet or 11- x 7-inch baking dish; sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
  • Bake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

KING RANCH CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE



King Ranch Chicken Mac and Cheese image

Another King Ranch recipe, this one is a mac and cheese style. From Southern Living magazine.

Provided by Lynette !

Categories     Chicken

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 12

8 oz cellentani pasta
2 Tbsp butter
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
10 oz can diced tomatoes and green chiles (rotel)
8 oz package pasteurized prepared cheese product, cubed (velveeta)
3 c cooked chicken, chopped
1 can(s) cream of chicken soup, 10 3/4 ounce can
1/2 c sour cream
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1 1/2 c cheddar cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Prepare pasta according to package directions.
  • 2. Meanwhile, melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and bell pepper, and saute 5 minutes or until tender.
  • 3. Stir in tomatoes and green chiles, and prepared cheese product; cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until the cheese melts. Stir in the chicken, next 4 ingredients, and hot cooked pasta until blended.
  • 4. Spoon the mixture into a lightly greased 10 inch cast-iron skillet or 11 x 7 inch baking dish; sprinkle with shredded Cheddar cheese.
  • 5. ABake at 350° for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.

PIMENTO MAC AND CHEESE WITH CHICKEN SAUSAGE



Pimento Mac and Cheese with Chicken Sausage image

This dish is a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies! You can also use peas.

Provided by Food Network Kitchen

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 bunch broccolini (about 8 ounces), chopped
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 links sweet Italian chicken sausage (about 2 1/2 ounces each), casings removed
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 3/4 cups milk
3 ounces cream cheese
1 3/4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 7 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 4-ounce jar chopped pimentos, drained
1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs, adding the broccolini during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a medium ovenproof nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage; cook, breaking up the meat, until lightly browned and cooked through, about 6 minutes. Remove the sausage to a plate using a slotted spoon.
  • Add the flour to the drippings in the skillet; cook, stirring, until incorporated, 1 minute. Whisk in the milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Whisk in the cream cheese until smooth, then stir in the cheddar, cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon salt until melted and smooth, about 1 minute. Stir in the pasta and broccolini, sausage and pimentos.
  • Preheat the broiler. Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the microwave; stir in the panko and sprinkle the mixture over the pasta. Broil until golden brown, about 3 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use a variety of cheeses: Combining different types of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, creates a more complex and flavorful mac and cheese. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: Avoid overcooking the macaroni, as it will become mushy. Cook it al dente, so it still has a slight bite to it. This will help it hold its shape and texture in the mac and cheese.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the mac and cheese sauce. It also adds a rich, creamy flavor. Be sure to cook the roux until it is golden brown before adding the milk.
  • Use flavorful add-ins: Add-ins like cooked chicken, bacon, vegetables, and herbs can take your mac and cheese to the next level. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite.
  • Top with a crispy breadcrumb topping: A crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delicious crunch to mac and cheese. Simply combine bread crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese and sprinkle it over the top of the mac and cheese before baking.

Conclusion:

Chicken mac and cheese is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can easily make a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful mac and cheese that will be the hit of your next potluck or family gathering. So next time you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give chicken mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!

Related Topics