Cheesy Chicken Macaroni with Vegetables | lovemyinstantpot
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Creamy Chicken Cheese,  Mushroom and Macaroni

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

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Generously enveloped in a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce, the velvety textures and the irresistible fusion of macaroni and cheesy chicken create a harmonious symphony of flavors. This kid-friendly and kid-approved dish is not only a great way to hide vegetables and get kids to eat them, but also certain to satisfy your comfort food cravings, bringing sheer delight to your taste buds.

You will Need

For the Chicken:

  • Olive Oil (to coat chicken)

  • 4 Large Boneless, skinless chicken thighs

  • 1 tbsp Garlic Powder

  • 1/2 tsp Pepper

  • 1 tbsp Salt

  • 1 tbsp Onion Powder

For the Macaroni and Cheese:

  • 1 8oz Can Mushrooms Stems and Pieces

  • 3 cups Macaroni Noodles

  • 2 10.5oz Cans Cream of Chicken Soup

  • 1 cup Water

  • 1 Package frozen Broccoli

  • 1 Can of Mixed Vegetables

  • 4 oz. Velveeta Cheese

  • Shredded Cheese for topping

  • Salt and Pepper to taste

 

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Side Dish Recipes

Instant Pot Directions

  1. Start by seasoning the chicken:

    • Coat both sides of the chicken thighs with olive oil.

    • Sprinkle garlic powder, pepper, salt, and onion powder evenly on both sides of the chicken.

    • Place the seasoned chicken into your instant pot.

  2. Cook the chicken:

    • Select the "High Pressure" setting on your instant pot and set it to cook for 45 minutes.

    • Wait for the pressure button to go down naturally, then carefully open the lid.

    • Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside while preserving the chicken broth in the pot.

  3. Prepare the macaroni and vegetable mixture:

    • Add the macaroni noodles, water, canned mushrooms stems and pieces, frozen broccoli, and mixed vegetables to the instant pot.

    • Make sure the pressure valve is set to "Sealing" and press the "Pressure Cook" setting for 10 minutes.

    • After cooking, perform an instant release of pressure.

    • Carefully remove the pot from the instant pot and add in the Velveeta cheese, cream of chicken soup, and the can of mushrooms. Stir until the cheese and soup are well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  4. Assemble and bake:

    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    • In a large serving dish, layer the macaroni and vegetable mixture at the bottom.

    • Place the cooked chicken thighs on top of the macaroni mixture.

    • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top of the chicken and macaroni.

  5. Bake:

    • Place the serving dish in the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  6. Garnish and Serve:

    • Once the cheese is nicely melted and golden, remove the dish from the oven.

    • Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

    • Serve hot and enjoy your creamy chicken and mushroom macaroni bake!

This recipe combines the richness of creamy macaroni and cheese with flavorful seasoned chicken for a delightful and satisfying meal.

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Stove Top Skillet  Directions

Season and cook the chicken:

  • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil.

  • Season both sides of the chicken thighs with garlic powder, pepper, salt, and onion powder.

  • Place the seasoned chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside.

  • Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Prepare the macaroni and vegetable mixture:

  • In the same skillet, add the macaroni noodles, water, canned mushrooms stems and pieces, frozen broccoli, and mixed vegetables.

  • Stir occasionally and cook until the macaroni is tender and the vegetables are heated through.

  • Create the creamy sauce:

  • Lower the heat and add the Velveeta cheese and cream of chicken soup to the skillet.

  • Stir until the cheese and soup are fully melted and well combined with the macaroni and vegetables.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

  • Assemble and serve:

  • Slice the cooked chicken thighs and arrange them on top of the creamy macaroni mixture in the skillet.

  • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and macaroni.

  • Finish on the stovetop:

  • Cover the skillet with a lid and cook on low heat for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Serve and enjoy:

  • Once the cheese is nicely melted and golden, remove the skillet from the heat.

  • Spoon the creamy chicken and mushroom macaroni onto plates and serve hot.

  • Savor the delightful combination of flavors and textures that this skillet recipe offers.

This "Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Skillet" delivers a heartwarming dish that's easy to make on your stovetop, providing a satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

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Here are some tips to make your
"Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Macaroni Skillet" recipe even more successful:

  1. Prep Ahead: Before you start cooking, make sure to have all your ingredients chopped, measured, and ready. This will help streamline the cooking process.

  2. Chicken Cooking Time: When cooking the chicken, ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure it's fully cooked and safe to eat.

  3. Cheese Melting: When adding the Velveeta cheese to the skillet, cut it into smaller cubes to aid in faster melting. Stir consistently to prevent burning or sticking.

  4. Liquid Levels: If you find the macaroni mixture becoming too dry, you can add a little more water or chicken broth to maintain the desired creamy consistency.

  5. Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Keep in mind that the cream of chicken soup and Velveeta cheese can add some saltiness, so be cautious with the additional salt you add.

  6. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to switch out the frozen vegetables with fresh ones based on what's available or your personal preferences.

  7. Melting the Shredded Cheese: If the shredded cheese isn't melting easily on top of the skillet, you can place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.

  8. Garnish: You can garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color and freshness.

  9. Experiment with Cheese: While Velveeta works well for its melting properties, you can also try other cheeses for different flavors. Cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda can be great alternatives.

  10. Customization: This recipe is versatile. You can add more spices, herbs, or even a touch of hot sauce for extra flavor if you prefer.

  11. Stirring: Be gentle while stirring the macaroni and vegetables to prevent breaking the macaroni. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to avoid damaging the ingredients.

  12. Pan Size: Choose a skillet large enough to comfortably accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding. This ensures even cooking.

  13. Double Check Instructions: When following the stove top method, be sure to adjust the steps and times accordingly to your own stovetop and skillet type.

With these tips, you'll be able to create a scrumptious and creamy chicken and mushroom macaroni skillet that's sure to be a hit at your table. Enjoy!

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