Description
A flavorful blackened chicken served with creamy broccoli mac and cheese for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente.
- Add broccoli florets to the pasta water during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside.
- Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
- Rub chicken breasts with olive oil, then coat both sides with the seasoning mixture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth. Cook until sauce thickens.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked macaroni and broccoli to the cheese sauce and stir until coated.
- Plate the mac and cheese and top with sliced blackened chicken. Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper for more or less heat.
- Use fresh broccoli for best texture.
- Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 150mg