Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe has become a favorite dish in my home. This comfort food combines creamy, cheesy pasta with spicy, flavorful Cajun chicken. It is perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in. I’ve tried many mac and cheese recipes, but the addition of Cajun spices makes it extra special.

Ingredients for Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Mac and Cheese:

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter

How to Make Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

The chicken is the star of the show, bringing in those rich, spicy flavors.

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. Next, season both sides with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is coated well.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 7-8 minutes per side or until they are golden and cooked through.
  3. Rest and Dice: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy. After resting, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.

Boil the Macaroni

While the chicken is cooking, it’s time to get the macaroni ready.

  1. Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Drain and Rinse: Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside.
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Cheese Sauce

The creamy cheese sauce makes this dish truly special. Here’s how to make it:

  1. Melt Butter: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Make a Roux: Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes. Aim for a paste-like texture.
  3. Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. This will help avoid lumps.
  1. Thicken the Sauce: Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens and bubbles slightly.
  2. Cheese Time: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese until they are completely melted.
  3. Season the Sauce: Mix in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Combine the Ingredients

Now comes the fun part putting it all together.

  1. Mix Pasta and Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta and diced Cajun chicken.
  2. Add the Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and chicken. Stir well until everything is evenly coated.

Prepare the Topping

A crunchy topping on mac and cheese is the cherry on top.

  1. Combine Breadcrumbs and Cheese: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted butter.
  2. Add Texture: This will give a beautiful crispy texture on top of the mac and cheese when baked.

Baking the Dish

Baking transforms the dish and melds all the flavors together.

  1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (180°C).
  2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  3. Top with Breadcrumbs: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
  1. Bake: Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
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Serving Up Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese

Once out of the oven, let the dish cool for a few minutes. This helps both the cheese and the flavors settle.

Garnish Ideas:

  • Chopped parsley for freshness
  • Extra Cajun seasoning for a bolder flavor
  • Red pepper flakes for heat

Tips for Perfect Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese

  1. Choose the Right Cheese: Opt for sharp cheddar for strong flavor and a nice melt. Mixing cheeses adds depth to the dish.
  2. Adjust the Spice: If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can always add it to taste when serving.
  3. Pasta Shape: Elbow macaroni works great, but feel free to experiment with other shapes like shells or penne.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store them properly:

  1. Cool Down: Let the dish cool completely at room temperature.
  2. Airtight Container: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  3. Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave until hot.

Make-Ahead Option

Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese is a great make-ahead meal.

  1. Prepare and Assemble: Follow all steps until the baking part.
  2. Cover and Refrigerate: Cover the assembled dish and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
  3. Baking Time Adjustment: When ready to bake, it might need an extra 5-10 minutes due to being cold from the fridge.

Why I Love This Recipe

The combination of creamy cheese with spicy chicken is irresistible. It balances comfort and flavor perfectly. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, making it a win for weeknight dinners. I love knowing that my family enjoys every bite, and the leftovers are just as delicious.

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Whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe brings joy and satisfaction to the table. I encourage you to try it out for yourself. I can assure you, it will soon become a favorite in your household too!