Description
Rich and comforting mac and cheese loaded with tender chicken pieces and a smooth cheddar cheese sauce, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (3–4 breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping; panko works best)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Drain in a colander and set aside without rinsing.
- While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the cubed chicken seasoned generously with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden on the edges and no longer pink in the center. Transfer to a plate.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes a light golden paste.
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and continue stirring for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, one handful at a time, stirring until completely melted before adding more. Add the garlic powder and season with additional salt and pepper to taste. The sauce should be smooth and glossy.
- Gently fold the cooked macaroni and chicken into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- For a baked version with a crispy top, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- This dish can be made ahead of time and reheated.
- Use different types of cheese for varied flavors.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Mac Cheese, Macaroni and Cheese, Chicken Pasta