Irresistible Chicken and Mac and Cheese Recipe You’ll Love

Imagine sinking your fork into a bubbling, cheesy plate of chicken and mac and cheese, where tender pieces of chicken intermingle with creamy, gooey noodles. The aroma wafts through the air, enticing you with promises of comfort and joy in every bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate.

Growing up, this delightful dish was my go-to for cozy family dinners. I remember the excitement as my mom whisked together her secret cheese sauce while the chicken sizzled in the pan. This recipe is perfect for everything from casual weeknight dinners to festive gatherings, ensuring smiles all around.

I once made this dish for a potluck, and let’s just say it disappeared faster than I could take credit for it.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Aim for about 3-4 breasts depending on your crowd; they cook quickly and soak up flavors well.

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice that holds sauce perfectly; feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free options.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Choose high-quality cheese for maximum flavor; it melts beautifully and adds richness.

• Milk: Whole milk yields creaminess; you can also use half-and-half for an ultra-luxurious sauce.

• Butter: Unsalted butter is best; it allows you to control the seasoning in your dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken your cheese sauce; whisk it well to avoid lumps.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have for that savory punch; fresh garlic works too if you’re feeling fancy!

• Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste; these basics elevate all the other flavors in the dish.

• Panko Breadcrumbs (optional): For a crunchy topping that adds texture contrast; buttery panko takes it over the top.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter. Once melted, add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Create the Cheese Sauce: Reduce heat to low and sprinkle flour over cooked chicken. Stir continuously for about 1 minute until combined. Gradually add milk while whisking until smooth.

Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese along with garlic powder, mixing until melted and creamy. Taste and season further with salt and pepper as desired.

Toss Everything Together : Add drained pasta into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly so every noodle gets coated in that cheesy goodness.

Bake (Optional): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with extra cheese or panko breadcrumbs if desired. Bake for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

And there you have it—a scrumptious plate of chicken and mac and cheese ready to be devoured! Enjoy this creamy delight that’s bound to bring comfort whether you’re dining solo or hosting friends!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing a creamy cheese sauce for efficiency and mouthwatering results.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. You can also swap out cheeses to create your favorite flavor profiles, such as sharp cheddar or pepper jack.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Cooking chicken and mac and cheese always reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen, where laughter mixed with the aroma of cheese melting made every gathering special.

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for chicken and mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonders in this recipe.

What type of cheese is best for mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar brings a great flavor balance, but feel free to mix different cheeses!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare it ahead, refrigerate it, then bake when ready to serve for convenience.

Print

Creamy Chicken and Mac and Cheese

---

• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy chicken and mac and cheese recipe. Juicy, tender chicken melds perfectly with gooey, cheesy elbow macaroni, creating a dish that’s as delightful to eat as it is to prepare. Perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, this crowd-pleaser guarantees smiles all around!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)

---

Instructions

1. 1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. 2. Sauté the chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown.
3. 3. Create the cheese sauce: Sprinkle flour over cooked chicken and stir for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
4. 4. Add cheese: Stir in shredded cheddar and garlic powder until melted and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
5. 5. Combine: Add drained pasta to the skillet, mixing thoroughly to coat every noodle.
6. 6. Bake (optional): Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with additional cheese or panko if desired, and bake for 20 minutes until bubbly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Enhance flavor by adding spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. For a different twist, experiment with cheeses like pepper jack or gouda.