Description
Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta for a dish that’s sure to please everyone at your table. With its golden breadcrumb topping adding delightful crunch, this recipe is perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and guaranteed to leave your family and friends asking for seconds!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp butter (divided)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente (7-8 minutes). Drain and keep warm.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook until golden brown and cooked through (5-7 minutes).
- For the cheese sauce, melt the remaining tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth, then gradually add milk until thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl; mix well.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour mixture into a greased baking dish, top with panko breadcrumbs, and bake for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg