Easy Mac and Cheese with Rotisserie Chicken - This is a recipe for an easy Mac and Cheese with rotisserie Chicken. It is creamy, comforting and delicious and made with 3 types of cheese - Mozarella, Parmesan and Cheddar. This is a quick recipe that is ready to eat in 25 minutes!
300gCheddar CheeseI like a strong mature one. Grated
50gParmesan CheeseGrated
½Rotisserie ChickenShredded
FewDropsHot SauceOptional
Instructions
Cook Pasta according to pack instructions minus 2 minutes. Drain over a pot, making sure you reserve a ladleful of Pasta Water.
Melt butter in a pot and add Flour, Smoked Paprika, Garlic Granules, Cayenne Pepper and Mustard Powder. Cook for 2 - 3 minutes stirring to combine.
Gradually whisk in the Milk and Pasta Water until it is lump free. Simmer for 5 - 8 minutes until thickened. Season with Salt and Pepper.
Take off the heat, then stir in the Cheese, rotisserie Chicken and Hot Sauce if using.
Notes
Top tip for making Mac and Cheese with Chicken
Always grate your own Cheese where possible. Pre grated Cheeses usually have a coating on them which stops them from clumping together in the bag but it also stops them from melting as smoothly. In this recipe, the cheese is one of the most important elements, so I wouldn't recommend store brought grated cheese.
Storage
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the Microwave or on the hob over medium low heat, with a sprinkling of water for a few minutes.
Can Mac and Cheese be frozen?
Freeze in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge overnight and reheat gently in the microwave or stove top. Store in an airtight container and keep refrigerated up to 4 days. Thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat in the microwave, or covered in the oven at 180c/350F for 10-15 minutes.
Can I use other shapes of pasta?
You can use any pasta shape in this recipe but it should be of a similar size to macaroni. So smaller varieties of Penne, Farfelle, Conchilige.
Are there any variations for Mac and Cheese?
This is a highly adaptable recipe, and you can chop and change it as you like. Here are some suggestions:
You can stir in some double cream at the end.
For cheese - You can use Gruryvre, gouda, havartu, Jalsberg.
You can use any shape Pasta that you like - Fusilli, Farfalle, Penne all work well.
Use Ground Meats instead and stir in at the end.
Use Prawns instead.
Add toasted Nuts and Seeds for a little bite.
Change up the Seasonings.
Add some veg like tomatoes, fried onions, peppers, leeks, corn, mushroom broccoli.
Throw in some Jalapeños.
Add herbs such as oregano, thyme.
Add Leafy Greens such as Spinach, Chard or Kale.
Can Mac and Cheese be Gluten Free?
Yes, you can use Glutein Free Macarnoi in this recipe and Gluten Free Flour too.
Can Mac and Cheese with Chicken be made ahead?
Yes it can be made up to a day ahead.As it cools though the pasta continues to absorb the sauce so you will need to add some stock or water when reheating.