Ultimate Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup: Comfort in a Bowl!

Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is more than just a meal; it’s a warm, comforting embrace in a bowl, perfectly designed for those evenings when only the coziest of dishes will do. Have you ever wished you could combine the nostalgic joy of creamy macaroni and cheese with the hearty satisfaction of a chicken soup? Today, I’m thrilled to share a recipe that does precisely that, elevating two beloved classics into one extraordinary culinary experience that promises to become a cherished addition to your recipe repertoire.

A Modern Twist on Timeless Comfort

While macaroni and cheese boasts a rich history as a quintessential comfort food, dating back centuries and beloved across cultures for its simple, satisfying goodness, this soup takes that cherished foundation and infuses it with delightful innovation. By adding tender, savory chicken and transforming it into a velvety, spoonable soup, we create a dish that feels both wonderfully familiar and excitingly new. It’s a testament to how traditional flavors can evolve to meet our modern desire for convenience without sacrificing an ounce of taste or soul, making it perfect for today’s busy lifestyles.

People absolutely adore this Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup for countless reasons. Its rich, cheesy broth, studded with perfectly al dente macaroni and succulent pieces of chicken, offers an incredible blend of textures and deeply satisfying flavors that truly hit the spot. It’s remarkably easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, yet it feels special enough for a relaxed weekend lunch. Every spoonful delivers a powerful punch of cheesy goodness and comforting warmth, ensuring it quickly becomes an instant family favorite.

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ½-inch cubes
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• For the Aromatics and Flavor Base:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
• For the Roux and Creamy Base:
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth, divided
  • 3 cups whole milk (or 2% milk for a slightly lighter soup)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended for depth)
• For the Macaroni and Cheese:
  • 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (about 12 ounces)
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack or Colby Jack cheese, freshly grated (about 4 ounces, for extra meltiness)
• Seasoning and Finishing:
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • A dash of hot sauce (optional, for a subtle kick)

Preparing Your Ingredients for the Ultimate Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

Before we dive into the cooking, let’s make sure everything is prepped and ready to go. This step, often called “mise en place,” is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience, especially when crafting something as comforting as our Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup. Trust me, having everything chopped and measured will save you stress and help prevent overcooking or burning ingredients.

1. Prepare the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and cut them into uniform ½-inch cubes. Aim for consistency here, as it ensures even cooking. Season the cubed chicken generously with ½ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Set aside.
2. Chop the Vegetables: Finely dice your large yellow onion. For the carrots, peel them first, then dice them into small, even pieces. Similarly, wash and finely dice your celery stalks. The goal here is small pieces so they soften quickly and meld seamlessly into the soup, rather than standing out as chunky bits. Finally, mince your garlic cloves. Having these aromatics ready will allow you to add them to the pot at just the right moment.
3. Grate the Cheese: This is a step I always emphasize: please grate your own cheese! Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly and creamily as freshly grated cheese. For this Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup, we want ultimate creaminess, so grab your block of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack (or Colby Jack) and get grating. Trust me, the extra effort is absolutely worth it for a superior texture and flavor.
4. Measure Dry and Wet Ingredients: Measure out your all-purpose flour, elbow macaroni, chicken broth, and milk. Have your Dijon mustard, dried thyme, and optional nutmeg ready to go. This attention to detail ensures you have everything within reach as the cooking process unfolds, which is particularly helpful when you’re whisking a roux or adding liquids.

Building the Flavorful Foundation of Your Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

The secret to any truly great soup lies in its foundation. For our Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup, we’re going to build layers of rich flavor right from the start. This process not only cooks the initial ingredients but also imbues the entire dish with a depth that makes it truly irresistible.

5. Brown the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the seasoned cubed chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. If necessary, work in batches to ensure the chicken browns properly rather than steaming. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown on the outside and mostly cooked through. The browning creates incredibly flavorful fond (the browned bits) at the bottom of the pot, which will later be incorporated into our soup. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate. It will finish cooking in the soup later.
6. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same pot. Once melted, add the finely diced onion, carrots, and celery. These three vegetables, often referred to as a “mirepoix,” are the aromatic backbone of countless delicious dishes, and they’re essential for our comforting Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup. Sauté, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes, or until the vegetables have softened significantly and the onion becomes translucent. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your spoon; this is where all that fantastic flavor from the chicken is concentrated.
7. Infuse with Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the pot with the softened vegetables. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter very quickly. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is a testament to the deliciousness that’s about to unfold!

Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce Base for Your Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

This section is where the magic truly happens, transforming simple ingredients into the rich, velvety, cheesy base that defines an excellent Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup. We’ll be making a roux, which is a classic thickening agent, and then building a luscious cheese sauce.

8. Prepare the Roux: Sprinkle ½ cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables in the pot. Stir constantly for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste. This mixture of butter, vegetables, and flour will form what’s known as a “roux.” A well-cooked roux is crucial for a smooth, lump-free, and flavorful soup. You’ll notice the mixture becoming a bit pasty and starting to smell slightly nutty. This is a blonde roux, which is perfect for thickening our creamy soup without adding too much color.
9. Whisk in the Liquids Gradually: Begin to gradually whisk in 2 cups of the low-sodium chicken broth into the roux, a little at a time. Whisk continuously and vigorously after each addition to prevent lumps from forming. The mixture will be very thick at first, then it will gradually loosen as you add more liquid. Once the first 2 cups of broth are incorporated and the mixture is smooth, slowly whisk in the remaining 4 cups of chicken broth.
10. Add the Milk and Seasonings: Next, slowly pour in the 3 cups of whole milk, continuing to whisk as you go. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to ensure even thickening. As it heats, the soup base will visibly start to thicken. Add the 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon of dried thyme, and the optional ¼ teaspoon of freshly grated nutmeg. The Dijon mustard might seem unusual, but it doesn’t make the soup taste like mustard; instead, it adds a subtle tang and enhances the savory notes of the cheese, making the flavor profile of our Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup even more complex and irresistible.

Combining, Cooking the Macaroni, and Simmering Your Hearty Soup

With the flavor base and creamy sauce established, it’s time to bring all the components together. This is where the macaroni cooks directly in the soup, absorbing all the wonderful flavors, and the cheese melts into a glorious, smooth consistency.

11. Incorporate the Cheese: Once the soup base has thickened to your liking (it should be coat the back of a spoon), remove the pot from the heat. This is an important step when adding cheese to prevent it from seizing or becoming stringy. Gradually add the freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, a handful at a time, stirring constantly until each addition is fully melted and smooth before adding the next. The residual heat of the soup will be enough to melt the cheese beautifully, creating that luxurious, velvety texture we crave in a Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup. Once all the cheese is incorporated, you should have a wonderfully smooth, creamy, and gloriously cheesy base.
12. Add the Macaroni and Chicken: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Stir in the 1 ½ cups of uncooked elbow macaroni. The macaroni will cook directly in the soup, absorbing all the rich, cheesy flavors. This method ensures that every bite of macaroni is infused with the essence of our magnificent Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup.
13. Simmer to Perfection: Return the pot to medium-low heat. Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the macaroni is al dente (tender with a slight bite). The exact cooking time will depend on your specific macaroni, so taste a piece to check for doneness. During this simmering phase, the macaroni will absorb a good amount of liquid, so if the soup becomes too thick for your preference, you can thin it out with a little extra warm chicken broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember, we want a hearty, but still soupy, consistency for this “Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup.”

The Final Touches and Serving Your Comforting Soup

Your kitchen should be filled with an incredible aroma by now! We’re just a few steps away from enjoying a deeply satisfying bowl of homemade Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup.

14. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Remember that the chicken broth and cheese contribute saltiness, so always taste before adding more. This is your chance to fine-tune the flavors to perfection. If you like a little extra warmth, now is the time to stir in an optional dash of your favorite hot sauce. It won’t make the soup spicy, but it will add a subtle layer of complexity.
15. Rest and Serve: Remove the soup from the heat and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld further and the soup to settle into its perfect creamy consistency. Ladle the hot Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup into bowls.
16. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish each serving generously with fresh chopped parsley. For an extra flourish, you could also add a sprinkle of additional grated cheddar cheese, a few homemade croutons, or another dash of hot sauce for those who like a kick. Serve immediately and savor every spoonful of this incredibly comforting and hearty Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup. It’s truly a meal in a bowl, perfect for a cozy evening or a gathering with loved ones.

Conclusion:

Well, my fellow food lovers, we’ve come to the end of our delicious journey, and I genuinely hope you’re as excited as I am about the prospect of whipping up this incredible dish in your own kitchen. After all we’ve discussed, I truly believe this isn’t just another recipe; it’s an experience waiting to happen, a warm hug in a bowl that promises to become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire. We’ve talked about the simplicity of its preparation, the magic of its combined flavors, and the sheer comfort it brings, but the proof, as they say, is in the tasting. This isn’t merely a meal; it’s an invitation to create joy, to nourish your soul, and to gather loved ones around a table filled with warmth and laughter. I’m convinced that once you try it, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.

What makes this particular recipe an absolute must-try? It’s the harmonious marriage of familiar, beloved flavors elevated to a new level of creamy, cheesy perfection. Imagine tender, succulent chicken pieces, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce that coats every single bite, all brought together in a comforting, sippable soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food, reimagined and refined. It hits all the right notes: savory, creamy, hearty, and utterly satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and savor each spoonful, a true testament to the power of simple, good ingredients prepared with a little love. Forget those complicated, multi-step recipes that leave you exhausted; this one delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it perfect for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for a casual weekend gathering. It’s truly versatile, adapting effortlessly to whatever mood or occasion you’re in, and that, my friends, is a quality I deeply appreciate in any recipe.

Now, let’s talk about making this already fantastic dish even more your own. While the basic recipe for this exquisite Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup is phenomenal on its own, there are so many delightful ways to customize it and take it to the next level. For serving suggestions, consider pairing it with a simple, crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast. A slice of crusty artisan bread or warm garlic knots for dipping into that glorious cheesy broth is almost mandatory, trust me! Imagine dunking a piece of freshly baked focaccia, soaking up all that incredible flavor – pure bliss! And for those chilly evenings, a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a burst of fresh flavor. A dash of smoked paprika or a swirl of hot sauce for those who like a little kick can also transform the experience, adding layers of complexity you wouldn’t expect.

As for variations, the possibilities are virtually endless, limited only by your imagination and what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment! If you’re looking for a vegetarian twist, you could easily omit the chicken and instead add roasted mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or even some crumbled firm tofu for added texture and protein. For a smoky flavor profile, try incorporating some crispy bacon bits or pancetta as a topping. You could also experiment with different types of cheese; a blend of Gruyere and sharp cheddar can add a more sophisticated depth, while Monterey Jack can introduce a milder, meltier quality. Feeling adventurous? A pinch of nutmeg or a splash of dry sherry in the cheese sauce can elevate its flavor wonderfully. If you want to sneak in more veggies, consider stirring in some finely diced carrots, celery, or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking. For a different textural experience, consider using ditalini or small shell pasta instead of elbow macaroni. Each tiny adjustment offers a new dimension, allowing you to truly personalize this dish to suit your unique palate or whatever ingredients you might have on hand.

Ultimately, my biggest wish is that you take this recipe, make it your own, and fall in love with it just as I have. Don’t just read about it; go ahead and make it! Grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and immerse yourself in the delightful process. Cooking should be an adventure, a creative outlet, and above all, a source of immense pleasure. And once you’ve experienced the unparalleled comfort and deliciousness of this amazing soup, I would be absolutely thrilled to hear all about your culinary journey. Did you add a secret ingredient? Did you serve it with something unique? Did your family rave about it? Share your thoughts, your successes, and even your little experiments in the comments below, or feel free to tag me on your favorite social media platform (even without a link, you know where to find me with your delicious food photos!). Your feedback and shared experiences are what truly make this cooking community vibrant and inspiring. So, what are you waiting for? Your next favorite comfort meal is just a few steps away. Happy cooking, everyone!

Ultimate Chicken Macaroni Cheese Soup

My ultimate comfort food mashup. After years of making both mac and cheese and chicken soup I had this lightbulb moment why not combine them? The result is this incredibly creamy cheesy soup that’s like getting a warm hug in a bowl. My family goes crazy every time I make it. I love adapting this soup through the seasons. In fall I’ll add some roasted butternut squash, spring brings fresh asparagus tips, and summer means fresh corn cut right off the cob. Each version brings its own special touch to this cozy bowl of comfort. If you’ve got picky eaters, try starting with mild cheese like mozzarella. Blending the veggies into the broth works wonders; they get all the nutrition without seeing chunks. My daughter who swears she hates carrots has no idea they’re in there.

Prep Time
25 Minutes

Cook Time
40 Minutes

Total Time
5 Minutes

Servings
8 servings

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups yellow onion, diced
• 1 cup carrots, diced
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Dash of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Dice onion, carrots, and celery. Mince garlic. Grate sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Have your 3 cups cooked, cubed chicken ready.
2. Step 2
   In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 8-10 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Step 3
   Sprinkle ½ cup all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables. Stir for 2-3 minutes to cook the flour, creating a blonde roux.
4. Step 4
   Gradually whisk in 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth, then 3 cups whole milk until smooth and lump-free. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and optional ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, until the base begins to thicken.
5. Step 5
   Remove the pot from heat. Gradually add 3 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar and 1 cup freshly grated Monterey Jack cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
6. Step 6
   Stir in the 3 cups cooked, cubed chicken and 1 ½ cups uncooked elbow macaroni. Return the pot to medium-low heat. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is al dente. If the soup becomes too thick, thin with a little extra warm broth or milk.
7. Step 7
   Taste and adjust salt and black pepper as needed. Stir in an optional dash of hot sauce. Remove from heat and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish generously with ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.