Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Chicken and Mac and Cheese recipe. Combining tender chicken, gooey macaroni, and a rich cheese sauce, this dish is both satisfying and simple to make. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, it can be customized with your favorite cheeses and veggies. In just one bite, you’ll experience a creamy warmth that feels like a hug for your taste buds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cooking until golden brown (6-8 minutes per side). Remove from pan and let rest before dicing.
- In the same skillet, add more butter if needed, whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk and cook until thickened (5-7 minutes). Add cheese until melted.
- Combine diced chicken and pasta into the cheese sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for consistency.
- Transfer to an oven-safe dish; top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter if desired. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 110mg