I remember the first time I made chicken and mac and cheese. It felt like a culinary hug, with creamy, cheesy goodness wrapping around tender chunks of chicken. The aroma wafted through my kitchen, calling everyone to the dinner table like a siren song. My family gathered, eyes wide with anticipation, ready to dive into this cheesy dream.
Fast forward to now: chicken and mac and cheese is our go-to comfort food for movie nights, rainy days, or any occasion that needs a touch of warmth. Every bite promises nostalgia and satisfaction as the flavors dance on your palate like a cheesy waltz.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This chicken and mac and cheese is incredibly easy to whip up on a busy weeknight
- The cheesy goodness will have everyone asking for seconds, ensuring it’s a hit at dinner parties
- With its creamy texture and rich flavors, it’s visually appealing and deliciously comforting
- Perfect for cozy family nights or potlucks where you want to impress without the stress
My friends still rave about that first batch I made—it may have been slightly overcooked, but they didn’t mind one bit!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but feel free to adjust depending on your crowd size.
Pasta (Macaroni): Elbow macaroni works best; it hugs that cheesy sauce just right.
Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheddar adds depth; grate it fresh for maximum flavor.
Milk: Whole milk creates the creamiest texture; don’t skimp here!
Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the seasoning better.
Flour: All-purpose flour thickens the cheese sauce perfectly; make sure there are no lumps.
Seasonings (Salt & Pepper): These are your best friends—season generously for full flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Chicken: Start by cutting your boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper for that initial flavor boost.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil. Add in your chicken pieces and sauté until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes should do it.
Boil Your Pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you work on that dreamy cheese sauce.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter until bubbling. Whisk in flour until smooth; cook for 1-2 minutes before slowly whisking in milk until thickened.
Add Cheese Galore!: Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted and velvety smooth. You may want to taste test here—just don’t burn your tongue!
Mingle Everything Together: Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl. Mix well so every piece is coated in cheesy goodness. Pour into a greased baking dish.
Bake Until Golden Brown: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top—a smell you won’t forget!
Now sit back as the aroma fills your home! Your family will come running faster than if you’d promised ice cream for dessert! Enjoy every cheesy bite of this comforting dish—it truly warms both heart and soul!
You Must Know
- This creamy chicken and mac and cheese is not just comfort food; it’s a hug in a bowl
- The delightful blend of flavors and textures will have your taste buds dancing
- It’s versatile enough for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner party
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken to lock in flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the cheesy sauce for efficiency. This method ensures everything is hot and ready at once.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out chicken for turkey or use different cheeses like gouda or pepper jack. Adding veggies like spinach or broccoli can boost nutrition and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy and delicious.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve gooey perfection, use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded varieties
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg enhances the cheese flavor remarkably
- Don’t skip resting time; letting it sit allows flavors to mingle beautifully
Cooking this chicken and mac and cheese recipe always brings back memories of family gatherings, where everyone left with full bellies and smiles all around.
FAQ
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Shredded leftover chicken works perfectly and saves cooking time.
What type of cheese is best for mac and cheese?
Cheddar is classic, but feel free to mix in gouda or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta for a safe alternative.
Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Chicken and Mac and Cheese recipe. Tender chicken melds beautifully with elbow macaroni, all enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. Perfect for cozy family nights or gatherings, this dish is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies with every cheesy bite.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat; cook chicken until golden brown (6-7 minutes). Set aside.
- Boil salted water in a pot; cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth; cook for 1-2 minutes before whisking in milk until thickened.
- Stir in grated cheddar until melted and smooth.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce; mix well and transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
