Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is a delightful dish that combines comfort and flavor in every bowl. This creamy chicken macaroni cheese soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, gatherings, or even a simple weeknight meal. It beautifully merges the rich, cheesy goodness of macaroni and cheese with a hearty chicken soup, creating a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt with seasonal vegetables, making it a great choice for any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This creamy chicken macaroni cheese soup is like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for soothing your soul.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavors and cheesy goodness make it appealing to picky eaters.
• Versatile Additions: Easily customize the soup with seasonal vegetables like butternut squash or fresh corn.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward instructions and common ingredients, you can whip it up without fuss.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Ideal for serving at gatherings or potlucks; everyone will be asking for seconds!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare this creamy chicken macaroni cheese soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will make the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: A spacious pot allows you to sauté vegetables and simmer the soup without spilling over.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, ensuring even cooking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients gently while preventing scratches on your cookware.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 4 cups (1 lb) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ½ cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
• Optional Garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, snipped fresh chives, extra shredded cheddar, crumbled crispy beef turkey bacon, croutons

How to Make Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Step 1: Prepare Vegetables & Cheese

• Finely dice the onion, carrots, and celery.
• Mince the garlic.
• Grate the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
• If using raw chicken, sear 1.5 lbs of chicken breasts in 1 tbsp olive oil, then shred or dice; alternatively, use 3 cups pre-cooked chicken.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Spices

• In a large pot over medium heat, melt 4 tbsp butter.
• Sauté the diced onion, carrots, and celery for about 8–10 minutes until softened.
• Add minced garlic, ½ tsp thyme, ½ tsp smoked paprika, and ¼ tsp dry mustard powder; cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Create Roux & Soup Base

• Stir in ¼ cup flour, cooking for about 2–3 minutes to form a roux.
• Gradually whisk in 6 cups chicken broth, followed by 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, until smooth.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Melt Cheese

• Reduce heat to low. Gradually add the grated cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Avoid boiling after adding cheese.

Step 5: Cook Macaroni

• In a separate pot, cook 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly.

Step 6: Combine & Serve

• Add the cooked chicken (or use your pre-cooked options) along with the drained macaroni into the soup.
• Stir gently and let it simmer on low for about 5–10 minutes to meld flavors. Adjust seasoning as needed before ladling into bowls.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort. Serving it right can elevate the experience, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Snipped Chives: Add snipped chives for a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the soup.

With Crunchy Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Top each bowl with extra shredded cheddar for an extra cheesy experience.
• Croutons: Provide croutons for added texture and crunch, enhancing each spoonful.

With Accompanying Beverages

• Fizzy Lemonade: Pair with fizzy lemonade for a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
• Apple Cider: Enjoy steaming mugs of apple cider alongside, which adds warmth and sweetness.

How to Perfect Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Making this soup perfect is all about technique and ingredient choice. Follow these tips to ensure your dish turns out creamy and flavorful every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and cheeses to enhance flavor and texture.
• Don’t Rush the Roux: Allow your roux to cook properly; this builds a rich base for the soup.
• Gradual Cheese Addition: Add cheese gradually over low heat to prevent clumping and achieve a silky finish.
• Adjust Consistency: If too thick, stir in more chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
• Taste as You Go: Season throughout the cooking process to ensure balanced flavors in the final dish.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Pairing side dishes with Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide nutritional balance and enhance flavor profiles.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: These can be filled with rice, beans, or veggies, offering variety on your plate.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins are a delightful complement, adding sweetness to your meal.
6. Vegetable Spring Rolls: Light and crispy spring rolls offer a crunchy contrast while being easy to handle.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly.

• Using pre-cooked chicken improperly: If you’re using pre-cooked chicken, ensure it’s heated through before adding it to the soup. This prevents any cold spots in your dish.
• Overcooking the macaroni: Cook the elbow macaroni separately until al dente. If you add it directly into the soup without precooking, it can become mushy.
• Adding cheese too quickly: Gradually add the cheese to the soup over low heat. Adding it too fast or at high heat can cause it to clump instead of melting smoothly.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper as needed, especially after adding cheese, which can be salty.
• Skipping the simmer step: After adding the chicken and macaroni, let the soup simmer on low for 5-10 minutes. This helps meld all the flavors together for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup that might help you while preparing this delicious dish.

Can I use leftover chicken for Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup?

Yes! Leftover cooked chicken works great and adds flavor. Just make sure it’s fully warmed before adding to the soup.

What are good substitutes for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative if you’re looking for a lighter option or a dairy-free substitute.

How can I customize my Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or roasted squash for extra nutrition and flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well in the refrigerator and freezes nicely, making it perfect for meal prep.

What can I serve with Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup?

This comforting soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is truly a delightful dish that combines comfort and indulgence. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it perfect for any occasion, while customization options allow you to tailor it to your family’s preferences. Give this recipe a try; your taste buds will thank you!