Chicken Mac and Cheese
Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, blending juicy chicken with creamy cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. This dish transforms any meal into a celebration, enveloping you in warmth with every bite. It’s irresistibly cheesy, making it a favorite among both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and customizable with your choice of veggies or proteins, this Chicken Mac and Cheese is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from pan and slice.
- In the same skillet, melt more butter; whisk in flour until bubbly. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
- Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted.
- Combine pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce in a baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg