Creamy Chicken and Mac and Cheese Recipe – A Cozy Delight

There’s something magical about the combination of chicken and mac and cheese. Imagine tender, juicy chicken nestled in a creamy, cheesy embrace, topped with a crispy layer that beckons you to dig in. It’s the kind of dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, making every bite feel like a cozy hug on a chilly evening.

I remember the first time I whipped up this chicken and mac and cheese recipe for a family gathering. The moment I pulled it out of the oven, my niece squealed with delight, begging to be the first to dive in. The laughter and joy that filled the room made it clear: this dish was destined to become a staple in our home.

Sharing this dish brings back fond memories of laughter around the dinner table, where seconds were always requested.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust based on how many people you’re feeding.

• Elbow Macaroni: Opt for traditional elbow macaroni; it holds onto that cheesy goodness perfectly.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Choose a good quality sharp cheddar for maximum flavor; trust me, you’ll thank me later.

• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess; don’t skimp here if you want that dreamy texture.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking; it allows you to control the seasoning better.

• Flour: All-purpose flour thickens your cheese sauce beautifully; no one likes a runny mac and cheese!

• Breadcrumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs add that satisfying crunch on top; consider adding some herbs too!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure even cooking as your dish bakes to perfection.

Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. You want them firm enough to hold their shape when combined with all that cheesy goodness.

Sauté the Chicken: While pasta cooks, heat some butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In another pot, melt more butter over low heat. Stir in flour until combined into a roux. Gradually pour in milk while whisking until smooth—this should take about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Add Cheese Galore!: Remove the sauce from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Stir continuously—you want every bit of that cheese bliss mixed well!

Combine Everything Together!: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well so every macaroni piece gets coated in cheesy goodness before transferring everything into a greased baking dish.

Add Toppings & Bake!: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs over the top for crunchiness. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

And there you have it—a hearty chicken and mac and cheese ready to steal the show at your dinner table! Enjoy digging into this comfort food classic that always brings smiles!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy cheese sauce for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in different cheeses or add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to keep it creamy.

Cooking this chicken and mac and cheese recipe always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we savored every cheesy bite.

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time during meal prep.

What type of cheese is best for mac and cheese?

A mix of sharp cheddar and creamy mozzarella creates a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using whole-grain pasta and adding vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrients.

Print

Chicken and Mac and Cheese

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6

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Description

Chicken and mac and cheese is a comforting classic that combines tender chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta, topped with a crispy breadcrumb layer. This dish is simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite. With customizable options for vegetables and spices, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup toasted breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
3. In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat, add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
4. In another pot, melt the remaining butter over low heat, stir in flour to form a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened (about 5 minutes).
5. Remove from heat and mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Combine the cooked macaroni, sautéed chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
7. Top with toasted breadcrumbs and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added nutrition, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or broccoli. Leftover rotisserie chicken can be used for even quicker preparation.