Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to every family gathering. With a luscious, cheesy sauce enveloping tender chicken and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, this dish is both satisfying and quick to prepare. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends alike. Kids adore this creamy delight, making it a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Plus, with its versatility, you can easily customize the recipe to suit your family’s tastes by adding veggies or swapping proteins.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter and sauté cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper until fully cooked (5-7 minutes).
- In the same skillet, melt additional butter, stir in flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in milk until thickened (4-5 minutes).
- Lower the heat and add shredded cheddar cheese gradually until melted and smooth.
- Fold in cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until everything is coated with the cheese sauce.
- For added crunch, transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Find it online: https://www.kitchenstorydaily.com/creamy-chicken-mac-and-cheese/