Name: Creamy Chicken and Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3-4 boneless chicken breasts; 2 cups elbow macaroni; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese; 2 cups whole milk; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

The aroma of bubbling cheese and tender chicken wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. Imagine a cozy evening where the warmth of this dish wraps around you like a hug from your grandma. This is not just any dinner; it’s a comforting bowl of chicken and mac and cheese that promises to transport you back to simpler times.

Picture this: the kids are home from school, their faces lighting up as they catch sight of that golden-brown crust atop a bubbling dish. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular Tuesday night into something special, filled with laughter, stories, and maybe a bit too much cheese. I can already hear the chorus of “Yum!” echoing around the table.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This creamy chicken and mac and cheese is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly flavorful
Its rich texture makes it visually appealing while being versatile enough for any occasion
You can easily modify the ingredients based on what you have on hand
Perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners

One time, I made this dish for my best friend’s birthday party, and let’s just say it stole the show faster than you can say “cheesy goodness.” Everyone was asking for seconds, thirds, and even fourths!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts works well; feel free to adjust depending on your crowd size.
Elbow Macaroni: Use good quality pasta to ensure it holds up during cooking.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The sharper the cheddar, the more flavor; consider mixing in some gouda for extra creaminess.
Milk: Whole milk will give you a richer sauce; skim milk might leave it less creamy.
Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness of your dish.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps thicken your cheesy sauce into a luscious coating for the pasta.
Garlic Powder: This adds depth without overpowering; fresh garlic can also be used if preferred.
Breadcrumbs: For topping; panko breadcrumbs will give you an excellent crunch when baked.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grab your favorite baking dish — trust me; you’ll want something big enough for all that cheesy goodness.

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a pot and add elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente according to package instructions; remember it will cook more in the oven!

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt some butter. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper until golden brown all over — about 6-7 minutes.

Create Your Cheese Sauce: In another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until bubbly (about 1 minute). Gradually pour in milk while whisking continuously until thickened — this should take about 5 minutes.

Add Cheese Galore!: Stir in sharp cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder along with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in your cooked pasta until every noodle is coated.

Bake It Up!: Transfer everything into your greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs for that golden finish! Bake for about 25-30 minutes until bubbly — oh boy!

Now that you’ve made this mouthwatering dish of chicken and mac and cheese, gather around the table with loved ones! Enjoy those moments filled with laughter as forks dive into warm bowls brimming with gooey goodness.

And there you have it—your new go-to comfort food recipe!

You Must Know

Mastering chicken and mac and cheese means knowing how to balance flavors
Cook the chicken to juicy perfection while ensuring the pasta is al dente
The creamy cheese sauce is your secret weapon, blending everything together beautifully for a comforting, hearty meal

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown. While it rests, boil the pasta and prepare the cheese sauce for a seamless cooking experience.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Consider adding spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also swap out the cheese for a sharper variety or mix in some veggies.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always let your chicken rest after cooking; this retains moisture and enhances flavor
For creamier mac and cheese, use a mix of cheeses like cheddar and mozzarella
Lastly, don’t skip seasoning; it’s essential for elevating each bite!

Cooking chicken and mac and cheese always reminds me of family gatherings where laughter filled the kitchen, and no one could resist seconds.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it first for even cooking.

What type of cheese works best in mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with others!

How do I prevent my mac and cheese from being too dry?

Add extra milk or cream when reheating to maintain that creamy texture.