Description
Chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheddar, tender chicken, and al dente macaroni for a dish that warms the heart. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, offering a delightful blend of flavors that will have your family coming back for seconds. With its golden-brown topping and customizable options, this dish not only satisfies hunger but also creates cherished memories around the dinner table.
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 bread crumbs for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add macaroni, and cook until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes), then remove from heat.
- Create the cheese sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour for about 1 minute. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Add cheese & seasonings: Stir in cheddar cheese and garlic powder, then season with salt and pepper until melted.
- Combine everything: In a bowl, mix cooked pasta, sautéed chicken, and cheese sauce until coated. If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs on top before transferring to a baking dish.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg