Description
Creamy, spicy, and soul-warming, this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese brings Southern comfort with bold flavor and melty cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning (salt-free or low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz Velveeta, cubed
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (plus more for topping)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 8 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Instructions
- Season and Cook the Chicken: Rub chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest, then dice or shred.
- Sauté Peppers: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until soft. Remove and set aside.
- Make a Roux: In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in milk and broth. Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Melt Cheese: Stir in Velveeta and cheddar, a bit at a time, until fully melted. Add garlic powder, paprika, and season to taste.
- Combine and Cook: Stir in uncooked macaroni, cooked chicken, and sautéed peppers. Cover and simmer on low for 12-15 minutes until pasta is tender.
- Optional Baking Step: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheddar, and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Sub chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Use Colby Jack or cream cheese as a Velveeta alternative.
- For less heat, use a mild Cajun or Creole blend.
- Great with sides like cornbread, fried okra, or sweet pickles.
- Reheat with added milk or broth to revive creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop / Optional Baking
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 610 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 110mg