A deliciously kicked-up hearty version of everyone's favorite mac and cheese. Chicken Bacon Mac and Cheese combines creamy pasta and smoky bacon with store-bought rotisserie chicken & cheddar cheese for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Table of Contents
Comforting Chicken Dinner Recipes
Cozy chicken dinners just hit the spot on chilly evenings. Casseroles and skillet meals with chicken and pasta or potatoes are both comforting and soul-satisfying. These recipes don't just fill your belly but give you a feeling of contentment that just soothes the soul. Throw some bacon into the mix and it's a real winner.
Next time you’re craving some serious comfort food, get cookin' some delicious chicken recipes like Bruschetta Chicken Pasta, Southwest Chicken Casserole, and Chicken Enchiladas.
Why You'll Love Chicken and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
Effortless Prep: This recipe is a breeze to prepare with store-bought ingredients like rotisserie chicken as well as staples you likely alreadt have in your pantry or fridge.
No-Fuss Clean-up: One of the best parts of this dish is the easy clean-up. Since it's a two-pot meal, there's less time cleaning up and more time to simply enjoy it.
Comfort Food: There's something comforting about a hearty dish of mac and cheese. Add in the rich flavors of chicken and bacon, and you've got a meal that's both satisfying and heartwarming.
Perfect for Busy Schedules: You can prepare it in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you're ready. It's an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Kid-Friendly: This dish is a surefire hit with kids who can't resist a bowl of mac & cheese. Adding chicken and bacon are great ways to introduce more flavors to their meals.
Customizable: Add sriracha for a spicy kick, adjust the cheese to your liking, or tweak the recipe to use up ingredients you already have at hand.
Baked to Perfection: Baking the casserole makes cooking easy and adds texture to the dish. The cheesy top layer becomes irresistibly crispy while adding contrast to the creamy macaroni underneath.
A Balanced Meal in One Dish: With protein-rich chicken and bacon, alongside the carbs in the macaroni, this pasta dish is a balanced meal in itself. It's filling, nutritious, and, most importantly, delicious!
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make this chicken bacon mac and cheese recipe. The exact measurements are in the printable recipe card below.
- Cooked chicken - use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breasts, then shred or chop. Cooked ground chicken can be subbed as well.
- Bacon - cook the bacon strips well. You want crispy bacon so it crumbles easily.
- Macaroni or other short pasta - elbow, pasta shells. ziti and spiral work best
- Shredded cheddar cheese - shredding your own cheese will make for a smoother sauce.
- Butter
- All-purpose flour or cornstarch
- Chicken broth
- Sriracha (optional)
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Chicken Mac and Cheese with Bacon
Here are the simple steps for making bacon chicken mac and cheese in a skillet:
- Cook the bacon until crisp. Place on a paper towel to absorb some of the excess grease.
- Place the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook according to package directions to the al dente stage. Drain and set aside.
- In the same large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add cornstarch.
- Whisk until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Slowly add chicken broth, continuously whisking so it doesn't clump.
- Keep cooking until it is smooth and thick. Sprinkle in salt and pepper.
- Turn the heat down and add shredded cheese.
- Stir until all the cheese has melted.
- Toss noodles in the bacon drippings that remained in the skillet.
- Add shredded chicken and crumbled bacon.
- Stir well then add cheese sauce.
- Stir again to coat all ingredients with sauce then top with remaining shredded cheese.
- Bake for 30 minutes at 350°F. During the last 5 minutes, turn on the broiler and let the dish cook until the top is golden brown.
TIP: Remember to grab the skillet handle with a pot holder as it will be extremely hot. And I know this from experience.
Dig into this cheesy dish for a delicious dinner or a rich side dish. Bacon Mac & Cheese has got to be one of the best things on the planet! Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Bacon Bits: For an extra bacon flavor, reserve some of the cooked bacon and sprinkle it on top of the casserole before the final few minutes of baking. This adds a nice crunch and intensifies the bacon taste.
- Pasta Perfection: To avoid overcooked pasta, follow the package directions and cook it until it's just al dente. Remember, it will continue to cook in the oven, so slightly undercooking it beforehand ensures it doesn’t become too soft.
- Sauce Consistency: If your sauce feels too thick, you can thin it with a bit more chicken broth. Conversely, if it's too thin, cook it a bit longer to reduce and thicken. The perfect sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
- Rotisserie Chicken Tips: When using rotisserie chicken, make sure to remove the skin and shred the meat finely for even distribution throughout the cheese casserole.
- Baking to Perfection: For a golden and crispy top, consider using the broiler for the last few minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it, as it can brown quickly.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This allows it to set a bit and makes serving easier.
- Freshness on Top: Add a touch of freshness by garnishing with chopped parsley or green onions after baking. This adds color and a fresh flavor to balance the richness.
Recipe Variations
These variations offer a way to customize the Chicken and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese to suit different tastes and dietary needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic comfort food with a twist.
- Cheese Variations: Elevate your mac and cheese by experimenting with different types of cheese. Velveeta adds creaminess, white cheddar offers a sharper taste, Gouda introduces a smoky flavor, Gruyere brings a nutty richness, and Parmesan cheese adds a rich and tangy flavor. Mix and match to find your perfect blend.
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Macaroni: For a tangy and herby dimension, stir in a packet of dry ranch mix into your sauce. This adds an unexpected zing and depth of flavor that ranch lovers will adore.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Boost the nutritional value and add color to your dish by incorporating vegetables. Broccoli, cauliflower, and spinach bring a healthy twist, while tomatoes or mushrooms add a juicy and earthy element. Simply mix them in with the pasta before baking.
- Seafood Swap: For a luxurious variation, replace chicken with seafood like lobster or shrimp. This transforms the dish into a fancy, indulgent treat perfect for special occasions.
- Spice It Up: If you're a fan of heat, there are many ways to spice up your mac and cheese. Add diced jalapenos or chipotle peppers for a smoky kick, sprinkle in some of your favorite spices, or drizzle Tabasco sauce or other hot sauces for an extra fiery touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Make this dish gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with cornstarch in the sauce and using gluten-free pasta. This small tweak allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this comforting meal without worry.
- Meat Variations: Apart from chicken and bacon, consider other meats like ham, ground beef, or sausage. They each bring a unique flavor profile and can make the dish more hearty.
- Bread Crumb Topping: For added texture, sprinkle a layer of bread crumbs mixed with melted butter over the top before baking. This creates a delightfully crispy crust.
- Herb Infusion: Freshen up the dish with herbs. Adding chopped parsley, thyme, or basil can introduce a new layer of flavor and make the dish more aromatic.
- Creamy Twist: To make the sauce even creamier, consider adding a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream. This can make the dish even more decadent and rich.
Make Ahead
Preparing your Chicken and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese in advance can be a real time-saver, especially for busy days or when planning for guests. Here’s how to do it successfully:
- Assemble in Advance: You can fully assemble the casserole in your cast iron skillet (or any baking dish if you prefer) ahead of time. This includes cooking the bacon, preparing the macaroni, making the cheese sauce, and combining all the ingredients in the large skillet.
- Cover and Refrigerate: Once assembled, cover your skillet or baking dish with foil, plastic wrap, or a lid. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This step is crucial as it keeps the ingredients fresh and prevents them from drying out.
- Freezing Option: For longer storage, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Room Temperature Before Baking: When you plan to serve it, take the casserole out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking. Allowing it to come to room temperature ensures even cooking and prevents the skillet from being shocked by a sudden change in temperature, which could be harmful especially if it's cast iron or glass.
- Bake as Directed: Preheat your oven and bake the casserole as per the recipe instructions. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the casserole is still a bit cold from the fridge.
How to Store Leftovers
Properly storing your leftover Chicken and Bacon Macaroni and Cheese is key to maintaining its flavor and texture. Here are some tips for keeping those leftovers tasting great:
- Cool Before Storing: Allow the casserole to cool to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation inside the storage container, which can make the macaroni soggy.
- Airtight Containers: Transfer the leftovers into an airtight container. This keeps the food fresh and prevents it from absorbing odors from the refrigerator.
- Refrigeration: Store the airtight container in the refrigerator. Properly stored, it will last for 3 to 5 days.
- Freezing for Longer Storage: If you won’t be eating the leftovers within a few days, consider freezing them. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label them with the date, and they should be good for up to 2 months. To use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Safety First: Always check leftovers for signs of spoilage before consuming. If anything looks or smells off, it's best to discard it.
How to Reheat
Reheating your Chicken Bacon Mac and Cheese so that it stays creamy and delicious is simple. Follow these tips to enjoy your leftovers as if they were freshly baked:
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the macaroni and cheese in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. The foil helps to keep the moisture in and prevents the top from burning. Reheat for about 20 minutes, or until it's heated through. If you prefer a crispy top, remove the foil for the last few minutes of reheating.
Microwave Method: For a quicker option, use the microwave. Transfer a portion of the macaroni and cheese to a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with parchment paper. Reheat on medium power in increments of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between, until thoroughly warmed. This prevents hot spots and uneven heating.
Adding Moisture: If you find that the macaroni and cheese has dried out a bit, you can restore its creaminess. Simply stir in a little bit of milk or cream while reheating. Start with a tablespoon or two, adding more if needed. This helps to bring back the creamy texture and ensures that the dish doesn't dry out.
Stirring is Key: Whether using the oven or microwave, stirring the macaroni and cheese during the reheating process can help redistribute the heat and sauce. This ensures that every bite is as delicious as the first.
Safety Check: Always ensure that the reheated food reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, as recommended for safety. Use a food thermometer to check.
More Delicious Quick and Easy Skillet Dinners
- Chicken and Orzo Skillet
- French Onion Chicken Skillet
- Lemon Chicken Skillet
- Sausage Tortellini Skillet
- Taco Pasta Skillet
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Chicken Bacon Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 6 ounces bacon, cooked & crumbled
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- ¼ cup cornstarch (for gluten-free) or all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 - 2 ¼ cups chicken broth
- 2 ½ cups cheddar cheese, divided (shredding your own is best but you can use a shredded mix as well)
- 1-2 Tablespoons sriracha (optional)
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (make it fast with rotisserie chicken)
- 4 cups cooked spiral macaroni (gluten-free if needed)
- Garnish: chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a large cast iron skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove the cooked bacon from the pan & set aside. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet.
- While bacon is cooking, cook noodles in a large pot of salted water according to package directions. Remove from pot, drain & set aside.
- In the same large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk cornstarch in until smooth. Add chicken broth slowly and continue whisking until smooth & thick. Season with salt & pepper.
- Turn heat down and add 1-½ cups shredded cheese and stir until melted. Add sriracha if using. Remove from heat.
- Toss noodles in cast iron skillet to coat with bacon fat. Add chicken and bacon to noodles and stir well. Pour cheese sauce over all and mix well.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup shredded cheese on top.
- Bake for 30 minutes. If you like a golden brown top, turn the broiler on for the last 5 minutes. Watch carefully as it can brown rather quickly.
- Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
This post has been updated with new photos, step-by-step directions, and more helpful information. It was first posted on August 10, 2016.
Nancy Verhalen says
I made your bacon Mac n cheese with chicken. My family loved it. I followed the recipe except I used leftover chicken instead of rotisserie and I made it in a casserole dish instead of a cast iron skillet because I do not have one. This recipe will definitely be repeated often. Thank you for making my first time making homemade Mac n cheese a breeze.
Linda Warren says
I'm so happy your family loved it! Making it with leftovers is brilliant and no one will even think they're leftovers. Thanks for sharing.