Chicken Macaroni Recipe

 Introduction:

Chicken macaroni is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender chunks of chicken and perfectly cooked macaroni make it a favorite among both kids and adults. Whether you are seeking a quick weeknight dinner or dish to bring to potluck this chicken macaroni recipe is surefire crowd pleaser.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Macaroni:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup diced onions
• 1 cup diced bell peppers (red and green for color)
• 1 cup diced celery
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping

Let’s start to make

Instructions:

 

1. Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken: If you don’t have leftover cooked chicken, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs in a separate pan with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once cooked through, dice or shred the chicken and set it aside.

3. Saute the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions, bell peppers, celery, and minced garlic. Saute until the vegetables are soft and translucent.

4. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sauteed vegetables and stir continuously for a couple of minutes to make a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.

5. Add Milk and Broth: Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, usually about 5-7 minutes.

6. Season the Sauce: Add the dried thyme, basil, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to incorporate the flavors.

7. Cheese, Chicken and Macaroni: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Then, add the cooked chicken and macaroni, mixing everything together.

8. Bake the Chicken Macaroni: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese.

9. Bake and Serve: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbly. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

   

Conclusion:

Chicken macaroni is timeless classic for reason. It is creamy, cheesy and savory goodness warms heart and fills stomach. Whether it is a family dinner or potluck contribution, this recipe is bound to be hit. So gather your ingredients and start cooking this delicious dish for heartwarming meal that sure to bring smiles to your loved ones faces. Enjoy!