This is the ultimate upgrade to your classic boxed mac and cheese, made with shredded chicken and a buttery cracker topping!

As a parent, the best part of mac n cheese is how easy it is to make! But sometimes, I like to put a creative twist on classic favorites.

If you have some boxed macaroni sitting around, take it out and try adding a few extra ingredients to make it next level!

Shredded chicken is the perfect addition to mac n cheese. It turns a traditional side dish recipe into a full meal on it's own.

What kid doesn't like mac n cheese? It's a childhood staple. It may not be the "healthiest" choice. But, at least with this upgraded mac n cheese, I know they are getting a little extra nutritional value thanks to the chicken.

This Upgraded Mac N Cheese with Chicken is a delicious dinner that is sure to be a family favorite.

WHAT INGREDIENTS DO I NEED?

1 box mac n cheese (prepared per box instructions)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12oz canned chicken (if you have precooked- shredded chicken, feel free to use that as well)
5 tablespoon butter
Approximately 1 cup crumbled butter crackers
optional garnish: fresh parsley

OPTIONAL ADD INS:

cooked broccoli or cauliflower
pork instead of chicken
Add some parmesan or mozzarella cheese

HOW DO I MAKE UPGRADED MAC N CHEESE WITH CHICKEN?

STEP 1: Start by preparing the mac n cheese, per boxed instructions.

STEP 2: While the mac n cheese is cooking, melt 3 tablespoon of butter. Combine the butter and crumbled butter crackers. Set aside for now.

STEP 3: In a bowl, stir together cooked mac n cheese, canned chicken (drained), shredded cheddar cheese and remaining 2 tablespoon of butter.

STEP 4: Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with buttered crackers. Bake at 400 degrees F. for approximately 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

5 ingredients to make this easy mac n cheese dish the whole family will love. You have to try it!

CHECK OUT SOME MORE PASTA DISHES YOU KIDS WILL LOVE:

Tuna Pasta Salad

Roasted Red Bell Pepper Pasta

Hawaiian Pasta Salad

Light & Fresh Lemon Edamame Pasta

Upgraded Mac N Cheese with Chicken

Ingredients

1 box mac n cheese (prepared per box instructions)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
12oz canned chicken (if you have precooked- shredded chicken, feel free to use that as well)
5 tablespoon butter
Approximately 1 cup crumbled butter crackers
optional garnish: fresh parsley

Instructions

Start by preparing the mac n cheese, per boxed instructions.
While the mac n cheese is cooking, melt 3 tablespoon of butter. Combine the butter and crumbled butter crackers. Set aside for now.
In a bowl, stir together cooked mac n cheese, canned chicken (drained), shredded cheddar cheese and remaining 2 tablespoon of butter.
Pour the mixture into a baking dish. Top with buttered crackers. Bake at 400 degrees F. for approximately 10 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Remove and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.