Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is a cozy and satisfying dish perfect for any day. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that everyone will love. Whether for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be ready in no time!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions:
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a pot and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more butter. Stir in the flour until smooth, then slowly whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until it thickens, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Cheddar: Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes smooth.
- Combine: Gently fold in the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until everything is coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Bake (optional): For a crunchy topping, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish. Top it with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Serve Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese warm straight from the pot or after baking. It goes well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese or chopped herbs on top for added flavor.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stove until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
- You can add veggies like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when making the cheese sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be just al dente since it will cook further when combined with the cheese sauce.
Variation
For a different twist, you can replace cheddar cheese with mozzarella or gouda. You can also use cooked shrimp or ground turkey in place of the chicken for a new flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta type you like! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape.
2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and cheese sauce earlier in the day and combine everything before baking. Just cover it and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
3. Can I freeze Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the dish to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven or microwave.
Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Boil salted water in a pot and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook for about 5-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- In the same skillet, add a little more butter. Stir in the flour until smooth, then slowly whisk in the milk. Keep stirring until it thickens, which should take about 4-5 minutes.
- Lower the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts and becomes smooth.
- Gently fold in the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until everything is coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish. Top it with breadcrumbs and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until golden brown.