Baked Chicken Mac and Cheese

Introduction:

This Baked Chicken Mac and Cheese is a cheesy, rich, and comforting casserole perfect for any occasion. It’s a step up from traditional mac and cheese, with the addition of tender chicken and a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is simple to prepare but packed with flavor, making it an ideal meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 10 boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders, cleaned and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 cups pickle juice (for marinating)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• For the Mac and Cheese:
  • 14 ounces macaroni and cheese (1 box)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
  • 8 ounces freshly shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• For the Breadcrumb Topping:
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • Olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, mix the pickle juice, brown sugar, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to marinate.

Step 2: Prepare the Mac and Cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
2. Prepare the mac and cheese according to the instructions on the box.
3. Stir in the butter, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and all of the cream cheese into the cooked mac and cheese.

Step 3: Toast the Breadcrumbs

1. Spray a baking sheet with butter spray and evenly spread the Panko breadcrumbs.
2. Spray the tops of the breadcrumbs with more butter spray.
3. Bake for 3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs turn a golden color. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add some olive oil.
2. Drain the chicken from the marinade and add it to the pan. Cook through, then remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Mix the cooked chicken into the prepared mac and cheese.
2. Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly into the greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
3. Sprinkle the top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the toasted breadcrumbs.

Step 6: Bake

1. Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the top turns a light golden color.
2. Let it cool for 10 minutes to allow the juices to settle before serving.

Conclusion:

This Baked Chicken Mac and Cheese combines the creamy richness of mac and cheese with tender chicken and a crispy breadcrumb topping for an indulgent, comforting meal. Perfectly cheesy and easy to make, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy it fresh from the oven, and store any leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Serve it as a main dish or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.