cajun mac and cheese with chicken
Creamy Cajun mac and cheese with chicken combines bold spices, gooey cheese, and tender chicken for the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this Southern-inspired dish will leave everyone wanting seconds!
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, Cajun
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until thickened.
- Add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Mix in paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in cooked macaroni and chicken, ensuring everything is coated.
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs (optional), and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust spices to suit your heat preference.
- Rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- Add a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Find it online: https://recipesdays.com/cajun-mac-and-cheese-with-chicken/