Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Creamy chicken mac and cheese brings comfort right to your dinner table with unexpected twists.

Melted cheese blankets tender pasta while perfectly seasoned chicken adds satisfying protein.

Weeknight meals deserve something special that doesn’t require complicated techniques.

Simple ingredients combine magically in this hearty dish that feels like a warm hug.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly everything comes together without sacrificing flavor.

Rich, cheesy goodness promises to satisfy everyone around the table.

Rush into the kitchen and create deliciousness that’ll make everyone cheer.

Chicken Mac and Cheese: A Kid Favorite

• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins or veggies to match your family's taste preferences, making this recipe super adaptable for picky eaters.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare the entire dish in less than an hour, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying meal without complex cooking steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic mac and cheese with protein-packed chicken, creating a hearty one-pan meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Nutrient-Rich Delight: Delivers a balanced combination of carbohydrates, protein, and calcium, transforming a traditional comfort food into a more nutritious dinner option.

Ingredients for Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that adds substance to the mac and cheese dish.

• Pasta: The classic base that provides a comforting and hearty foundation for the recipe.

• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A rich and creamy combination that creates a luxurious and melty sauce with deep, complex flavors.

• Milk: Provides a smooth and creamy liquid foundation for the cheese sauce.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a perfect consistency.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Mustard Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile with subtle and complementary spices.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the chicken and prevents sticking.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds a crispy and golden texture to the top of the mac and cheese.

Step-by-Step Guide to Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Prep Pasta and Chicken

Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.

In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, then set aside.

Step 2: Create Cheese Sauce Base

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it develops a light golden color and nutty aroma.

Step 3: Develop Creamy Cheese Mixture

Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth.

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir in salt, pepper, and mustard powder until the sauce becomes velvety and well-combined.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Fold cooked pasta and chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake and Crisp

Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish.

Optional: Combine Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.

Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your comforting and delicious chicken mac and cheese!

Pro Tips for Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Use a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create a flavorful crust on the chicken before cooking, ensuring each bite is packed with delicious taste.
• Whisk milk gradually and stir constantly to prevent lumps, creating a smooth and creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
• Mix different cheese varieties like cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a rich, complex flavor profile that elevates the entire dish.
• Combine Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter for a golden, crunchy layer that adds texture and visual appeal to the mac and cheese.

Variations to Try with Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Veggie Protein Powerhouse: Swap chicken with roasted cauliflower or crispy tofu cubes for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and swap some cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta, maintaining the creamy cheese sauce and protein elements.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Family Feast Night: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this creamy chicken mac and cheese as a hearty main dish that sparks conversation and smiles.
• Gourmet Side Pairing: Complement the rich mac and cheese with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the cheesy, comforting flavors.
• Leftover Magic: Transform extra portions into delicious lunch containers for work or school, ensuring a delectable midday meal that beats boring sandwiches.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Bring this mac and cheese to potlucks or sports gatherings where hungry guests will devour every cheesy, chicken-filled bite.

How to Store Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Remove excess air, label with date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of milk to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover dish with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes, adding splash of milk if sauce looks dry. Stir halfway through reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute with other short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or shells. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the cheese sauce.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce cheese quantity, add extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach, and choose lower-fat cheese options to decrease calories and increase nutrition.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This mac and cheese can be prepared in advance, stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and reheated in the oven or microwave. Just add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.

Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken mac and cheese brings Southern comfort to your dinner table with tender pasta and juicy chicken. Rich cheese sauce and golden breadcrumb topping create a classic family-favorite meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced or shredded

Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta by cooking according to package instructions, then drain and set aside at room temperature.
2. Season chicken with a blend of salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sauté in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
3. Create a roux by melting butter in a large pot, then gradually incorporate flour, stirring continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color.
4. Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking consistently to prevent lumps and create a smooth base, cooking until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Blend in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, adding mustard powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor profile, stirring until the cheese melts completely.
6. Fold the cooked pasta and chicken into the velvety cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
7. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, optionally topping with a crispy panko breadcrumb and melted butter mixture.
8. Bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly, creating a deliciously crisp and creamy mac and cheese.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, comforting texture.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste.
• Select high-quality, sharp cheddar cheese to enhance the overall flavor profile and create a more robust cheese sauce.
• Allow the cheese sauce to thicken gradually to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 7.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg