Introduction
Welcome to the delicious world of Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese! This fusion dish combines the rich and creamy flavors of butter chicken with the comforting and cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. It’s a mouthwatering combination that will leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a fan of Indian cuisine or simply love indulging in cheesy pasta dishes, this recipe is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Let’s dive in and learn how to make this delectable Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese!
Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need for this scrumptious dish:
For the Butter Chicken:
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 cup plain yogurt
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, grated
– 2 teaspoons garam masala
– 1 teaspoon turmeric
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon coriander
– 1 cup tomato puree
– 1 cup heavy cream
– Salt, to taste
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish
For the Mac And Cheese:
– 8 ounces macaroni
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Steps
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps to make this mouthwatering Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese:
Step 1: Prepare the Butter Chicken
1. Start by marinating the chicken breasts in yogurt. Make sure the chicken is well coated with the yogurt marinade. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the skillet. Sauté for another minute until the aroma fills the kitchen.
4. Now, it’s time to add the spices. Sprinkle garam masala, turmeric, paprika, cumin, and coriander into the skillet. Stir well to combine the spices with the onion, garlic, and ginger.
5. Add the tomato puree to the skillet and stir until everything is well incorporated. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes.
6. Cut the marinated chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until it’s no longer pink in the center.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let the butter chicken simmer for another 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens. Season with salt to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and set the butter chicken aside while we prepare the mac and cheese.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce
1. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk until it forms a smooth paste.
2. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously. Keep whisking until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
3. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Combine the Butter Chicken and Mac And Cheese
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and the prepared butter chicken. Mix well until the macaroni is coated with the flavorful butter chicken sauce.
3. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and chicken mixture. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
4. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
5. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
While this Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese recipe is already a winner, you can always add your own twist to make it even more exciting:
– Add some diced bell peppers for a pop of color and crunch.
– Sprinkle some chopped green chilies for an extra kick of heat.
– Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a mix of cheeses.
– Top the baked dish with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
Tips
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese:
– Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse it with flavors.
– Use good quality cheese for a rich and creamy mac and cheese.
– Adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
– For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the chicken with paneer or tofu.
– Serve the Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese with a side of naan or garlic bread to complete the meal.
Conclusion
Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines the best of both worlds – Indian flavors and cheesy goodness. It’s a dish that will impress your family and friends with its unique fusion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe is a winner. So, grab your ingredients, follow the steps, and indulge in this mouthwatering Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese!
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the butter chicken and mac and cheese separately and refrigerate them. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the two and bake in the oven until heated through.
Q: Can I freeze Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese?
A: Yes, you can freeze the dish before baking. Just make sure to thaw it completely before baking in the oven.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can shred or chop it and add it to the butter chicken sauce.
Q: Is this dish spicy?
A: The spice level can be adjusted according to your preference. The recipe as written has a mild to medium level of spiciness.
Q: What can I serve with Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese?
A: You can serve it with a side salad, garlic bread, or naan bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Butter Chicken Mac And Cheese
A fusion dish that combines the rich and creamy flavors of butter chicken with the comforting and cheesy goodness of mac and cheese. This mouthwatering combination is a unique twist on classic comfort food.
Ingredients
-
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
-
1 cup plain yogurt
-
2 tablespoons butter
-
1 onion, finely chopped
-
3 cloves of garlic, minced
-
1 tablespoon ginger, grated
-
2 teaspoons garam masala
-
1 teaspoon turmeric
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
1 teaspoon cumin
-
1 teaspoon coriander
-
1 cup tomato puree
-
1 cup heavy cream
-
Salt, to taste
-
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
-
8 ounces macaroni
-
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 cup milk
-
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
-
Start by marinating the chicken breasts in yogurt. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
-
Prepare the butter chicken by sautéing onion, garlic, and ginger, adding spices, tomato puree, chicken, and heavy cream. Simmer until sauce thickens. Garnish with cilantro.
-
Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, milk, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Combine the cooked macaroni and butter chicken in a baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture.
-
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it cool before serving.
