Name: Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken: 6 Irresistible Reasons to Try
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~6–8 oz each); Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil); ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika); 1 cup cooked elbow macaroni (al dente); ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened; 2 tbsp milk or half-and-half; Optional: pinch of cayenne or ¼ tsp mustard powder

Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken is a delightful dish that embodies joy in every bite. Tender chicken breasts cradle a creamy, cheesy mac & cheese filling, seared to golden perfection and baked until bubbling. It’s the ultimate comfort food that is sure to impress anyone at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken

This cheesy chicken breast recipe provides a unique blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Here are a few reasons to try this macaroni and cheese stuffed chicken:

Combines two favorites: chicken and mac and cheese.
Perfect for special occasions or cozy family dinners.
Easy to follow, making it an easy mac cheese stuffed chicken recipe.
Great for meal prep, fitting into a gluten-free diet.
Can be customized with various cheese and spices.
Deliciously satisfying and comforting dish.

Ingredients for Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Gather these items:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (~6–8 oz each)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
1 cup cooked elbow macaroni (al dente)
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
2 tbsp milk or half-and-half
Optional: pinch of cayenne or ¼ tsp mustard powder

How to Make Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Cook macaroni al dente, drain, and let cool slightly.
Step 3: In the macaroni bowl, combine cheddar, cream cheese, milk, and optional spices.
Step 4: Mix until creamy and smooth. Microwave 10 seconds if needed to help blend.
Step 5: Pat chicken dry. Using a small knife, create a horizontal pocket in each breast, leaving about ½-inch uncut.
Step 6: Season outside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Step 7: Spoon mac & cheese filling into each pocket, being careful not to overfill.
Step 8: Use toothpicks if needed to secure the opening.
Step 9: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
Step 10: Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
Step 11: Transfer skillet to preheated oven.
Step 12: Bake 15–20 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
Step 13: Let chicken rest 5–7 minutes.
Step 14: Remove toothpicks, slice on a diagonal to reveal gooey filling, and serve.

Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken: 6 Irresistible Reasons to Try - Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Keep these in mind:

Ensure chicken is patted dry for better seasoning adherence.
Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors.
Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.

Best Ways to Serve Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken

This dish pairs well with:

Steamed vegetables for a colorful plate.
Garlic bread to soak up any extra cheesy goodness.

How to Store and Reheat Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. This makes it perfect for meal prep!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken

What’s the secret to perfect Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken?

The secret lies in not overstuffing the chicken and ensuring the filling is creamy enough to melt but not runny. A balance of flavors in your chicken stuffed with mac and cheese will elevate this dish.

Can I make Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and filling a day in advance. Just assemble the stuffed chicken breast with cheesy pasta and refrigerate until ready to bake.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken?

To avoid dryness, don’t overcook the chicken. A meat thermometer is your best friend here, ensuring it reaches 165°F without becoming tough. Use the right amount of seasoning on the outside to enhance the comfort food mac cheese stuffed chicken experience.

Variations of Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken You Can Try

Here are some fun variations:

Incorporate spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
Use different types of pasta like penne or shells.
Add spices like Italian seasoning or chili flakes for a kick.

For more delicious recipes, check out our cheesy chicken breast recipe or learn about meal prep ideas. You can also explore gluten-free options for your favorite dishes.

For more information on the health benefits of chicken, you can visit Healthline.