Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Vegetable Mac and Cheese
This Chicken and Vegetable Mac and Cheese recipe is not just another cheesy pasta dish. It’s packed with protein and veggies, making it more balanced while still delivering that cheesy goodness we all love. It’s super kid-friendly (perfect for picky eaters!), and the whole thing can be made for less than $20. Talk about winning! 🏆
Plus, the flavours are rich and creamy with a hint of Dijon mustard that adds a subtle zing, and garlic and onion powders to give it that savoury depth. And the best part? You can easily whip this up on a busy weeknight. Whether you finish it off in the oven for that golden-baked top or serve it straight from the pan, this mac and cheese is destined to be a family favourite.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken and Vegetable Mac and Cheese
- Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness: Chicken thighs stay moist and tender, even after cooking for a while. If you’re in a pinch, you could swap in rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken too!
- Sneak in Extra Veggies: Use whatever vegetables you have lying around. Broccoli and carrots are a classic combo, but peas, zucchini, or spinach also work beautifully. The more colour, the better! 🌈
- Don’t Skip the Mustard: Dijon mustard adds just the right amount of sharpness to cut through the cheese. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- Choose the Right Cheese: A good pizza cheese blend (think mozzarella, cheddar, and parmesan) melts smoothly and gives you that epic cheese pull. You could also add a bit of gruyère if you’re feeling fancy! 🧀
- Bake for Extra Crunch: Although optional, baking your mac and cheese adds an amazing crispy-cheese crust on top. It’s worth the extra 15 minutes if you ask me!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!), they’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store them in an airtight container. 🥡 When it’s time to reheat, add a splash of milk or cream before microwaving to bring back the creamy texture. If you want that baked crust again, pop it under the grill for 5 minutes.
You can also freeze it! ❄️ Just let it cool completely, portion it out, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 180°C until heated through. Pro tip: Cover with foil while reheating to prevent the top from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Chicken and Vegetable Mac and Cheese with a crisp side salad 🥗 or some garlic bread for the ultimate comfort meal. A glass of chilled lemonade or a light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc will complement the rich flavours perfectly. 🍋🍷
This Chicken and Vegetable Mac and Cheese dish is already hearty enough to stand alone, but if you’re feeding a crowd, serving it with a side of roasted veggies or a warm bowl of soup will make it feel extra special.
Other Recipes to Try
If you loved this Chicken and Vegetable Mac and Cheese, you’ll also enjoy:
Take a Picture and Share the Love 📸
If you give this Chicken and Vegetable Mac and Cheese a go, I’d love to see your delicious creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @steph_cooks_stuff . Don’t forget to use the hashtag #StephsMacAndCheeseMagic!
This Chicken and Vegetable Mac and Cheese really is the best of both worlds—a meal that’s indulgent, nutritious, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s the perfect answer to “What’s for dinner?” and an excellent way to use up any veggies in your fridge. Plus, with the kids asking for seconds (and maybe thirds!), this one is bound to be on repeat in your household.
Ready to dig in? ✨ Get the pan sizzling, gather those veggies, and let the cheesy goodness begin. Dinner never tasted this good! 🥰
Chicken and Vegetable Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 50
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Hey food lovers! 🍽️ Today is day 5 in my $20 Dinner series. I’ve just whipped up this ultra-comforting Chicken and Vegetable Mac and Cheese, and trust me, it’s the perfect dish to cozy up with and is a super easy dinner idea. The kids will love it and so will you. Let me share the magic with you:
Ingredients
Instructions
- Sizzle the chicken and veggies in a hot pan, seasoned with a touch of salt and pepper. Cook for around 10 minutes until chicken’s all done.
- Mix in the Dijon, garlic powder, onion powder, and flour.
- Pour in the milk and keep stirring until it starts to bubble.
- Dive in with the cheese and keep stirring until you have a creamy, dreamy sauce.
- Time for the macaroni! Mix it in well.
- Want to take it up a notch? Flatten the mix with your spoon, sprinkle some extra cheese on top, and bake at 200C for 15 minutes until you get that golden crust! 🤤
Try it out and let me know what you think! Who knew comfort food could get this good?
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Australian
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! While macaroni is the traditional choice, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just make sure to cook it al dente, so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
You can swap regular flour with gluten-free flour, and use gluten-free pasta. Most cheeses are naturally gluten-free, but double-check the labels to be safe!
Yes! Prepare everything as directed, but stop before baking. Store the unbaked dish in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just pop it in the oven and bake until golden and bubbly.