Irresistible Chicken and Mac and Cheese Recipe Delight

Imagine this: a warm plate of chicken and mac and cheese, with golden-brown crispy edges and ooey-gooey cheese melting into tender pasta. The aroma wafts through the house, inviting every hungry soul to gather around. This dish is more than just comfort food; it’s a hug in a bowl that sings sweet melodies of nostalgia.

This culinary masterpiece has a way of turning ordinary days into special occasions, whether you’re celebrating a win at work or just trying to survive Monday. When I serve up chicken and mac and cheese, it feels like I’m throwing a mini feast that brings everyone together, united by the irresistible allure of creamy cheese and savory chicken.

I still remember the first time I made this for my friends—they practically licked their plates clean!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Tender chicken breasts are best for even cooking; feel free to use thighs if you prefer dark meat.

• Macaroni Pasta: Classic elbow macaroni works great here, but any small pasta will do!

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Choose high-quality cheddar for maximum flavor; the sharper the better!

• Milk: Whole milk creates a rich and creamy sauce; don’t skimp on this.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning in your dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: This helps thicken your cheese sauce beautifully.

• Garlic Powder: A must-have for adding depth of flavor without overpowering the dish.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning everything to perfection.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These add a delightful crunch on top; feel free to swap with regular breadcrumbs if needed.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Chicken: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, pat dry 3-4 boneless chicken breasts with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper for optimal flavor.

Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter until bubbling. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook each side for about 6-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the pan and let them rest before slicing.

Boil Your Pasta: While your chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of macaroni pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta but save about half a cup of pasta water.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In that same skillet used for chicken, melt another tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in ¼ cup of flour while whisking continuously until smooth—this is your roux! Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk until thickened; then stir in 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.

Add Everything Together: Stir in your drained macaroni along with sliced chicken into the cheese sauce. If it’s too thick, add reserved pasta water one tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.

Bake It Up!: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs for that lovely crunch. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

And there you have it—a comforting dish ready to be devoured! Enjoy each cheesy bite as laughter fills your kitchen while you reminisce about shared memories around the dinner table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavors, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy cheese sauce. This sequence maximizes efficiency and ensures everything is ready simultaneously for a perfect meal.

Add Your Touch

Consider adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different cheeses to create unique flavors that suit your taste buds perfectly.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Cooking this chicken and mac and cheese dish always brings back memories of family dinners filled with laughter and second helpings. Everyone raves about how comforting it is, which makes all the effort worthwhile.

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time.

What types of cheese are best for mac and cheese?

Cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack create a deliciously creamy sauce.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Incorporate whole-grain pasta and add sautéed vegetables for extra nutrition and flavor.

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Chicken and Mac and Cheese

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Chicken and mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken with creamy, cheesy goodness for a dish that’s perfect any day of the week. With crispy breadcrumbs on top and a rich flavor profile, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming meal that brings everyone to the table. Easy to prepare and adaptable to your pantry staples, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp of butter. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing.
3. Boil salted water in a pot, add macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving half a cup of pasta water.
4. In the same skillet, melt remaining butter for the cheese sauce. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk. Stir in cheese until melted.
5. Combine sliced chicken and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce; mix well. If too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg