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Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 77 reviews

This Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender sautéed chicken, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a luscious homemade cheddar cheese sauce. It’s a comforting, cheesy dish that’s quick to prepare on the stovetop, with an optional baked breadcrumb topping for added crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing and sauce)

Pasta

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, cube them, then add to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken pieces are fully cooked through and slightly golden. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Create the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and melt over medium heat. Stir in the flour, whisking continuously until smooth and bubbly, creating a roux. Slowly whisk in the whole milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add Cheddar: Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine: Gently fold the cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is well coated.
  6. Bake (Optional): For a crunchy breadcrumb topping, transfer the mac and cheese mixture into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the ½ cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
  • You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk for a lighter version, though the sauce may be less creamy.
  • If you prefer, use gluten-free pasta and flour to adapt this recipe to gluten-free diets.
  • Leftover mac and cheese can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
  • Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful texture contrast.

Keywords: chicken mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, chicken pasta recipe, comfort food, easy dinner

Find it online: https://zarameals.com/creamy-chicken-mac-and-cheese-recipe-2/