Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with gooey cheddar cheese and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up this delightful meal that not only satisfies cravings but also creates cherished memories around the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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
- Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until fully cooked (5-7 minutes).
- In the same skillet, whisk together flour and butter until smooth. Gradually add milk, stirring continuously until thickened (around 4-5 minutes).
- Lower the heat and stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Fold in cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
- For a crispy topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Find it online: https://www.sweetfamilytable.com/creamy-chicken-mac-and-cheese/