Chicken Macaroni And Cheese
Creamy chicken and cheese macaroni combines tender pasta with flavorful chunks of chicken, green pepper, and celery in a rich, cheesy sauce—perfect for family dinners and comforting meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 3-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt butter or margarine.
- Add chopped green pepper and chopped celery; cook until tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper until blended.
- Gradually stir in milk; cook, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens slightly.
- Add chunked chicken and shredded cheese; cook until cheese is melted.
- Remove from heat and stir in cooked, hot macaroni until well blended.
- Serve with salad and crackers or hot bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the cheese mixture. If you want to add some spice, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. To make it a complete meal, add cooked peas or broccoli.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Macaroni and Cheese with a fresh side salad for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs beautifully with this dish, providing a nice texture contrast. For an extra touch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top and broil for a few minutes for a crunchy topping.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, heat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 798 calories, with 5g protein, 9g carbohydrates, and 83g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (56% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1296mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Yes, you can definitely use cooked, shredded fresh chicken in this recipe. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the cheese sauce. This can enhance the flavor and texture of your dish.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
To make this dish ahead, prepare the macaroni and cheese up to the point of adding the cooked macaroni. Store the mixture in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, stir in the macaroni and bake or heat it on the stovetop until warm.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding cooked bacon or ham for a smoky flavor. Herbs like thyme or parsley can also enhance the taste. For a touch of acidity, a splash of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the dish beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).