Creamy Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with this creamy chicken mac and cheese. Tender, juicy chicken is combined with perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. Topped with golden breadcrumbs and Parmesan, this dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, providing warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
- 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 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup plain or seasoned breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add seasoned chicken breasts; cook until golden brown on both sides, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and dice into bite-sized pieces.
- In a pot, boil salted water. Add macaroni; cook until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- For the cheese sauce, melt remaining butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine diced chicken and cooked macaroni in a large bowl; pour cheese sauce over them and mix well.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with Parmesan; sprinkle evenly on top.
- Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg