Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this extra creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese. This delightful dish pairs tender chicken with rich, flavorful cheese sauce and savory pasta shells, creating a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The one-skillet preparation not only simplifies the cooking process but also minimizes cleanup, making it an ideal choice for those who want a quick yet hearty dinner. With its irresistible combination of flavors and textures, this Chicken Mac and Cheese is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 ½ cups half and half
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ chicken bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon EACH: onion powder, garlic powder, parsley
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: paprika, pepper
- 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt/pepper (to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 ¾ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ lb. small or medium shells
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce mixture by combining half and half, chicken broth, hot sauce, mustard powder, onion powder, garlic powder, parsley, paprika, pepper, and bouillon in a large measuring cup.
- Boil salted water in a pot for the pasta.
- Slice and pound chicken breasts to even thickness; season with salt and pepper.
- Sear chicken in olive oil until golden brown; set aside.
- Deglaze skillet with white wine; reduce by half.
- Make a roux by melting butter and stirring in flour; cook until fragrant.
- Gradually add the sauce mixture while stirring continuously until thickened.
- Cook pasta al dente in the sauce; drain when done.
- Incorporate cheeses into the sauce until melted.
- Combine pasta and diced chicken into the skillet; stir well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 100mg