Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Mac and Cheese Tots
Juicy pan-seared chicken breast served alongside golden mac and cheese bites with crispy tater tots for a comforting twist. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 50 minutes pairs salt, black pepper, smoked paprika for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 720 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 12 oz frozen tater tots
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook for 7 minutes until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in 1 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute until lightly golden and fragrant.
- Step 3: Slowly add 1 cup whole milk, whisking continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Step 4: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat.
- Step 5: Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread 12 oz frozen tater tots on a baking sheet and season with 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp onion powder. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy and golden, turning once halfway.
- Step 6: While tots bake, season 2 chicken breasts with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika evenly on both sides.
- Step 7: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and the outside is golden brown.
- Step 8: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes. Plate the seared chicken alongside a scoop of cheesy macaroni and a serving of crispy tots for a hearty meal.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Smoky Mac and Cheese Tots take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 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 with Smoky Mac and Cheese Tots?
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 with Smoky Mac and Cheese Tots?
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 with Smoky Mac and Cheese Tots for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 with Smoky Mac and Cheese Tots?
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.
