why make this recipe
Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comfort food classic that never fails to please. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta that warms you from the inside out. Not only is this dish delicious, but it’s also easy to make, making it a favorite for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The gooey cheese and comforting flavors will leave everyone asking for seconds!
how to make Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 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
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter. Stir in flour until smooth, then slowly whisk in milk until thickened (about 4-5 minutes).
- Add Cheddar: Lower heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Combine: Gently fold in cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until coated in the cheese sauce.
- Bake (optional): For a crunchy topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.
how to serve Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Serve Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese hot from the stove or oven. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese or fresh herbs on top for added flavor.
how to store Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or oven until heated through. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
tips to make Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the cheese sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results.
- Experiment with different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for varied flavors.
- For an extra kick, consider adding some cooked bacon or diced vegetables like broccoli.
variation
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using a different type of pasta. You can also make it a bit spicy by adding jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Yes! Leftover or rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.
2. Can I make this dish in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge before baking.
3. Is it possible to freeze Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Yes! You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3-4 pieces 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 Season to preference
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional) For crunchy topping
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
Making the Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, add more butter. Stir in flour until smooth, then slowly whisk in milk until thickened (about 4-5 minutes).
- Lower heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
Combining Ingredients
- Gently fold in cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until coated in the cheese sauce.
Baking (Optional)
- For a crunchy topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.