Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and a rich sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever you crave something warm and satisfying. This recipe is easy to follow and can be made in about 30-40 minutes, making it a great choice for busy nights. The creamy texture and sharp flavor of cheddar cheese make each bite delightful.

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, straight from the skillet or baking dish. You can garnish it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor. This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables.

How to Store Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or bake it in the oven until warmed through.

Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will cook more while baking.
Adjust the cheese type for different flavors; mozzarella or gouda can be great alternatives to cheddar.
If you want to sneak in more vegetables, consider adding steamed broccoli or spinach.

Variation

For a spicy kick, you can add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also turn this into a baked dish by adding cooked bacon or diced bell peppers.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or even gluten-free pasta.

Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked dish. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw before reheating.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare everything in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it before serving to enjoy it warm.

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

Print Recipe

A comforting and creamy dish combining tender chicken, cheesy pasta, and a rich sauce, perfect for family dinners.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: None

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
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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.
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.
Gently fold in cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until coated in the cheese sauce.
For a crunchy topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs. Pairs well with salads or steamed vegetables. Can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 400
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: chicken, mac and cheese, creamy pasta, comfort food, family dinner