Chicken Ham Mac & Cheese
Looking for a comfort food classic with a gourmet flair? This Chicken Ham Mac and Cheese is your answer! Imagine creamy, gooey cheese hugging every piece of macaroni, combined with savory chicken and diced ham for a dish that’s both hearty and indulgent. Whether it’s a family dinner or a dish to wow your guests, this recipe promises second helpings. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese:
- 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Chicken Ham Topping:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cooked and diced
- 6 slices of ham, diced
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional, for tang)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente.
- Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
2. Toast the Breadcrumbs
- Mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and smoked paprika (optional).
- Toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, whisk in flour, and cook for 2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk and cream, whisking continuously.
- Stir until thickened, then add cheddar and Gruyère cheeses.
- Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine Ingredients
- Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce.
- Gently fold in diced chicken, ham, and mozzarella cheese.
5. Assemble and Bake
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the dish.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs.
6. Bake
- Bake for 15–20 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley or Parmesan cheese, if desired.
This Chicken Ham Mac and Cheese recipe is a comforting masterpiece that brings a gourmet twist to the table. With its creamy base, savory bites of chicken and ham, and crispy topping, it’s bound to become a household favorite. Don’t wait—try it out today and savor every bite!
