Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Chicken and Mac and Cheese. This delightful dish combines tender chunks of chicken with al dente elbow macaroni, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings, each bite promises a warm embrace of flavor that will leave everyone craving more.
- 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
- 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
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown (5-7 minutes).
- In a saucepan, melt remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk while stirring continuously until thickened (about 5 minutes).
- Remove from heat, stir in cheddar cheese until melted, then add garlic powder.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and chicken until well-coated. Transfer to a baking dish if desired.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). If using panko breadcrumbs, sprinkle them on top and bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg