Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Chicken and mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken enveloped in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that perfectly coats al dente elbow macaroni. This delightful dish is not only easy to prepare but also offers endless customization options, from various cheese selections to the addition of vegetables. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, this delicious recipe will satisfy everyone’s cravings and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat, add chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook until no longer pink (5-6 minutes).
- Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes), then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt remaining 2 tbsp butter, whisk in flour for 1 minute, then gradually stir in milk until thickened.
- Lower heat and add cheddar cheese and garlic powder; stir until melted.
- Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce with chicken in the skillet. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
- Top with panko breadcrumbs and bake for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 120mg