Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a complete meal that appeals to kids and adults alike. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is easy to prepare and can even be customized to suit your family’s tastes. Plus, who can resist that gooey cheese?
How to Make Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
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Create the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter. Stir in the flour until smooth, then slowly whisk in the milk. Cook until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
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Add Cheddar: Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
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Combine: Gently fold in the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until everything is coated in the cheese sauce.
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Bake (optional): For a crunchy topping, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Serve this dish warm in bowls, topped with extra cheddar cheese or a sprinkle of herbs for added flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality.
- Customize with your favorite veggies, such as broccoli or spinach.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste, adding more garlic powder or spices if desired.
Variation
For a lighter version, substitute grilled chicken or turkey and use whole wheat pasta. You can even make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding extra vegetables.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes! Feel free to mix in different cheese varieties like mozzarella or mozzarella for a different flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.
Is it possible to freeze Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze the mac and cheese after baking. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- In the same skillet, add more butter. Stir in the flour until smooth, then slowly whisk in the milk. Cook until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until everything is coated in the cheese sauce.
- For a crunchy topping, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting quality. Customize with favorite veggies and adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
