Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy pan-seared chicken thighs served alongside a velvety, cheese-forward macaroni, inspired by comforting Hampton family meals. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 35 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 680 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 680 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, season 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place chicken thighs skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and cook for another 6-7 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
  5. Step 5: In a separate saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a roux and smells nutty.
  6. Step 6: Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 2 oz cream cheese, and 1 tsp yellow mustard until smooth.
  8. Step 8: Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated.
  9. Step 9: Serve the crispy chicken thighs alongside a generous scoop of creamy macaroni and cheese, sprinkled with 1/2 tsp paprika for color.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken Thighs with Creamy Macaroni and Cheese?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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