Chicken and Mac and Cheese
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!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- 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
- 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
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken dry and season with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- Boil salted water in a pot, add macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving half a cup of pasta water.
- 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.
- Combine sliced chicken and drained macaroni into the cheese sauce; mix well. If too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed.
- 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