Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
A comfort food classic featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
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.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; add a splash of milk if dry. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best results and consider variations with different cheese types or add-ins like bacon or vegetables.