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Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

This Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe offers the ultimate comfort meal for family dinners, combining tender chicken and gooey cheese with macaroni.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Cook until al dente
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts Diced
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 5 tablespoons Butter Divided
  • 3 tablespoons Flour Use gluten-free for a gluten-free version
  • 2 cups Milk Whole milk recommended
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Shredded
For the Topping
  • 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs Optional
Seasoning
  • Salt To taste
  • Pepper To taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • skillet
  • Whisk
  • oven-safe dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add 3 tablespoons of butter and melt over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour until smooth, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking continuously until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Fold the cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken into the cheese sauce until well coated.
  6. For an extra crispy top, transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 38gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

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