Macaroni and chicken is a classic comfort food, a combination of two delicious ingredients that can make a satisfying and hearty meal. It's easy to prepare and can be customized to your liking. In this blog post, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of cooking macaroni and chicken, from boiling the macaroni to sauteing the chicken.
Ingredients
Before we start cooking, let's prepare the ingredients necessary for our macaroni and chicken recipe:
- 1 pound macaroni
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Macaroni
The first step is to cook the macaroni. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the macaroni is al dente. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
While the macaroni is cooking, prepare the chicken. Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes or thin slices. Season with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1/4 cup of butter. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1/4 cup of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Add the flour and stir until it's well combined with the butter. Gradually add milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it's melted and well combined with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Combine the Macaroni, Chicken, and Cheese Sauce
Preheat the oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, cooked chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Conclusion
There you have it, a delicious and easy recipe for macaroni and chicken. You can add some of your favorite ingredients, such as peas, carrots, or mushrooms, to make it even more flavorful. This dish is perfect for a family dinner or a weekend lunch. Don't forget to make a big batch as it's guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!
