Description

Chicken and Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta for a dish that’s both nostalgic and satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe brings warmth and flavor to your table. With a golden crust and rich texture, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or cheese variations. Get ready to enjoy a delightful meal that will make every bite feel like home.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup whole milk
4 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
1 tsp garlic powder (for topping)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and place in a baking dish.
Bake chicken for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
In a large pot, bring salted water to boil; cook elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente; drain.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 1 minute, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened.
Remove from heat; mix in shredded cheddar until melted. Stir in the cooked pasta and chopped chicken until well coated.
Transfer to a greased baking dish; top with mixed breadcrumbs and garlic powder. Bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in vegetables like broccoli or spinach. Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used for a quicker option.