Creamy Mac and Cheese with Grilled Chicken and Roasted Potatoes
This dish layers rich, homemade mac and cheese with juicy grilled chicken and golden roasted potatoes. The result is a satisfying balance of creamy, cheesy goodness, savory grilled flavor, and crispy potato bites – a complete comfort meal that works for family dinners or gatherings.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 40 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Serves: 4–5
Ingredients
For the roasted potatoes:
500g baby or regular potatoes, cut into bite-sized chunks
2 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt & black pepper to taste
1 tsp fresh rosemary or thyme
For the grilled chicken:
2 large chicken breasts
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon juice
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the creamy mac and cheese:
300g (about 3 cups) elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella
½ tsp mustard powder
Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Roast the potatoes
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss potato chunks with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and herbs.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
2. Grill the chicken
Pound chicken breasts slightly for even cooking.
Rub with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Grill over medium-high heat (or pan-sear) for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
3. Cook the pasta
Boil macaroni in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the cheese sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in warm milk, stirring until smooth. Add cream, simmer until slightly thickened.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until silky smooth.
5. Assemble
Toss cooked pasta in the cheese sauce.
Serve mac and cheese topped with sliced grilled chicken and roasted potatoes.
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra cheese, or a sprinkle of paprika.
Notes & Tips
For extra flavor, roast garlic cloves with the potatoes and mash them into the cheese sauce.
Use smoked cheddar for a bolder, smoky twist.
Turn this into a baked version: Layer mac and cheese in a casserole dish, top with chicken, potatoes, and breadcrumbs, then bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this ahead?
Yes – store mac and cheese, chicken, and potatoes separately. Reheat gently and assemble before serving.
Q: Can I make it lighter?
Use Greek yogurt instead of cream, and roast or air-fry potatoes with less oil.
Q: Can I add veggies?
Definitely – broccoli, spinach, or roasted bell peppers go beautifully in this dish.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~620 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbs: 55g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 4g