Description
A comforting mac and cheese featuring spicy, shredded chicken in a creamy cheese sauce, perfect for gatherings or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
- Olive oil
- Unsalted butter
- Onion, finely diced
- Garlic, minced
- Smoked paprika
- Chili powder
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Cayenne pepper (additional pinch)
- Hot sauce
- Fresh jalapeños or serranos, finely diced
- Elbow macaroni (or preferred pasta)
- Whole milk
- Heavy cream
- All-purpose flour
- Sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- Smoked gouda cheese, grated
- Monterey Jack or Fontina cheese, grated
- Dry mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season the boneless, skinless chicken thighs generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- In a pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sear the chicken thighs for 3-5 minutes on each side until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Lower heat, add butter, onion, and cook until softened (5-7 minutes). Add garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, and cayenne; cook for another minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, then beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer.
- Return chicken to pot, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until tender. Shred chicken and return to pot with hot sauce.
- Meanwhile, cook elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In another pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened (5-7 minutes).
- Remove from heat, add cheeses gradually until melted. Stir in dry mustard and season with salt and black pepper.
- Fold pasta into cheese sauce and add shredded chicken. Transfer to a baking dish, optionally top with extra cheese or breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest before serving.
Notes
Adjust the spice level to taste. Great with a fresh salad or garlic bread on the side.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg