Description
A rich, creamy, and comforting soup featuring tender chicken, gooey macaroni, and sharp cheddar cheese, perfect for cozy winter nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz / 340g)
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (100g)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (200g)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (45g)
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (24g)
- 3 cups whole milk (720ml)
- 2 cups chicken broth (480ml)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: Place chicken breasts in a pot with enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes until cooked through. Remove and shred with two forks. (If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step and shred directly.)
- Sauté the onion and garlic: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the roux: Sprinkle flour over the butter and onion mixture. Whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Do not let it brown.
- Add liquids: Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, a little at a time, ensuring smoothness before adding more. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the soup starts to thicken, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the macaroni: Stir in elbow macaroni and cook in the simmering soup until just tender, about 7 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
- Add cheese and chicken: Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, dry mustard, salt, and pepper until cheese melts completely. Fold in shredded chicken and warm through for about 2 minutes.
- Final taste and finish: Stir, taste for seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese