Description
Chicken mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken and al dente macaroni enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish not only warms the heart but also brings back fond memories of family gatherings filled with laughter and joy. Easy to make, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, promising to be a crowd-pleaser every time.
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 panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown and cooked through.
- 2. Prepare the Pasta: Boil salted water in a pot. Add elbow macaroni; cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- 3. Create the Cheese Sauce: In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth; gradually add milk while stirring until thickened.
- 4. Add Cheddar Cheese: Stir shredded cheddar into the sauce until melted and smooth.
- 5. Combine Everything: Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then add diced chicken and mix thoroughly.
- 6. Bake (Optional): Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg