Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese (Print Version)
A soul-warming blend of tender chicken, pasta and two cheeses in a velvety broth - the perfect fusion of two comfort food classics.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
02 -
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 -
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
04 -
2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
05 -
2 celery stalks, finely diced
06 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
07 -
½ teaspoon dried thyme
08 -
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
09 -
¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
10 -
¼ cup all-purpose flour
11 -
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
12 -
2 cups whole milk
13 -
1 cup heavy cream
14 -
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
15 -
1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
16 -
4 cups (1 lb) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
17 -
½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
→ Optional Garnishes
18 -
Chopped fresh parsley
19 -
Snipped fresh chives
20 -
Extra shredded cheddar
21 -
Crumbled crispy beef bacon
22 -
Croutons
# Steps:
01 -
Finely dice onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic. Grate sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. (If using raw chicken, sear 1.5 lbs chicken breasts in 1 tbsp olive oil, then shred/dice; or use 3 cups pre-cooked chicken).
02 -
In a large pot, melt 4 tbsp butter over medium heat. Sauté diced onion, carrots, and celery for 8-10 minutes. Add minced garlic, ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ¼ tsp dry mustard powder; cook 2 minutes until fragrant.
03 -
Stir in ¼ cup flour; cook 2-3 minutes. Gradually whisk in 6 cups chicken broth, then 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, until smooth. Bring to a gentle simmer; season with salt and pepper.
04 -
Reduce heat to low. Gradually add grated cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Do not boil after adding cheese.
05 -
Separately, cook 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly.
06 -
Add the cooked chicken and drained macaroni to the soup. Stir gently and simmer on low for 5-10 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning and consistency. Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.
# Notes:
01 -
This soup combines the best elements of macaroni and cheese with chicken soup for ultimate comfort food.
02 -
Easily adaptable with seasonal additions like roasted butternut squash, fresh asparagus tips, or fresh corn.
03 -
Perfect for picky eaters by blending vegetables into the broth and using milder cheeses.
04 -
Pairs well with fizzy lemonade, steaming mugs of apple cider, or non-alcoholic white wine alternatives.