Description

Chicken and mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfectly blending tender chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta. This easy-to-make recipe requires minimal ingredients yet delivers maximum flavor, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings with friends. With a golden crust and bubbling cheese, every bite evokes nostalgia while satisfying your cravings for hearty, delicious fare.

Ingredients

Scale

3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
8 oz elbow macaroni (2 cups)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup whole milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp seasoned salt
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook until golden brown (about 6-7 minutes per side). Let rest before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux. Gradually add milk while stirring until thickened (about 3 minutes). Mix in garlic powder and cheddar cheese until melted.
In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chopped chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well; add reserved pasta water if needed.
Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese, and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
Calories: 450
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Customize your mac and cheese by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli. Swap chicken for turkey or tofu to cater to different diets. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat on the stove with a splash of milk.