Description
This recipe is all about joy in every bite. Tender chicken breasts cradle a creamy, cheesy mac & cheese filling, seared to golden perfection and baked until bubbling.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook macaroni al dente, drain, and let cool slightly.
- In the macaroni bowl, combine cheddar, cream cheese, milk, and optional spices.
- Mix until creamy and smooth. Microwave 10 seconds if needed to help blend.
- Pat chicken dry. Using a small knife, create a horizontal pocket in each breast, leaving about ½-inch uncut.
- Season outside with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Spoon mac & cheese filling into each pocket, being careful not to overfill.
- Use toothpicks if needed to secure the opening.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
- Transfer skillet to preheated oven.
- Bake 15–20 minutes, until chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Let chicken rest 5–7 minutes.
- Remove toothpicks, slice on a diagonal to reveal gooey filling, and serve.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Mac Cheese Stuffed Chicken