Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! Our Mac and Cheese Garlic Chicken recipe is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and a hint of garlic that will make your taste buds dance with delight. In just 45 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that will have your family and friends begging for seconds – and trust us, they will!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 cups of macaroni, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup of cooked chicken (diced), 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 cups of milk, 1/4 cup of flour, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Sprinkle the flour over the melted butter and garlic, whisking continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken your cheese sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk while continuing to whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and return it to the pot. Add the diced cooked chicken to the macaroni, followed by the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Season the mac and cheese with salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can add more cheese or adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Once everything is well mixed, let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious Mac and Cheese Garlic Chicken!
Tips
- For the creamiest sauce, use room temperature milk and grate your own cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties. Fresh cheese melts more smoothly and creates a more luxurious texture.
- Be careful not to overcook the garlic – it can turn bitter if burned. Sauté it just until fragrant, which usually takes 1-2 minutes.
- To prevent lumpy cheese sauce, add milk gradually and whisk continuously. A smooth roux is the secret to a silky sauce.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly pan-sear chicken breasts for the most flavorful protein addition.
- For extra richness, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the milk or add a splash of heavy cream.
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little extra milk. If it's too thin, continue cooking and stirring until it reaches your desired consistency.
- For a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
