Hearty Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe: Comfort on a Plate

Creamy, comforting chicken mac and cheese always hits the spot when hunger strikes unexpectedly.

Pasta lovers know this dish brings instant happiness to any meal.

Melted cheese coats tender chicken pieces in a rich, velvety sauce that makes taste buds dance.

Quick and simple ingredients combine to create magic in one skillet.

Weeknight dinner solutions rarely get more satisfying than this classic comfort food.

Home cooks can whip up this crowd-pleasing recipe in less than an hour.

You’ll want to bookmark this version for future delicious moments.

What Makes Chicken Mac and Cheese So Irresistible

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Transform a classic comfort food into a protein-packed meal that satisfies hunger and saves precious cooking time with minimal preparation steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combine tender chicken with creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults at family gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with other proteins, experimenting with different cheese blends, or adding vegetables to match personal taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare this dish in advance, store in the refrigerator, and reheat for quick lunches or dinners, making it an ideal solution for busy households and meal planning enthusiasts.

Must-Have Ingredients for Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Chicken Breasts: Tender and flavorful protein that adds substance to the mac and cheese.

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that serves as the core foundation of this comforting dish.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that creates the rich, melty sauce base.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Smooth liquids that help develop a velvety cheese sauce texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth sauce foundation.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Spices that enhance the chicken's flavor profile.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Crispy and savory topping that provides a golden, crunchy texture.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor to the finished dish.

How to Make Chicken Mac and Cheese Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Dish

Warm up the oven to a toasty 375°F and generously coat a large baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Grill or bake the chicken until it’s completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni

Boil macaroni in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, typically taking 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

Slice or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces that will mix perfectly throughout the dish.

Step 5: Create the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in milk and heavy cream, creating a silky smooth base for the cheese sauce.

Step 6: Incorporate the Cheese

Gradually fold in cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes ultra-creamy and completely blended.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Mix the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, ensuring every single pasta piece gets a luxurious cheese coating.

Step 8: Add Chicken to the Mix

Fold in the cooked chicken pieces, distributing them evenly throughout the mac and cheese mixture.

Step 9: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 10: Create a Crispy Topping

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle this delightful mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown with an irresistible crispy texture.

Step 12: Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the dish to set and makes serving a breeze.

Handy Tips for Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Perfectly Cook Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, maintaining juicy and tender texture.
• Boost Cheese Sauce Smoothness: Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and create silky consistency.
• Prevent Dry Pasta: Reserve a small amount of pasta water before draining to help create a creamier sauce if mixture seems too thick.
• Enhance Breadcrumb Topping: Mix panko breadcrumbs with parmesan for extra crunch and golden-brown color that adds delightful texture to the dish.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising flavor.

Flavor Combos for Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Mac: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a blend of pepper jack and cheddar cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Mac: Incorporate crumbled feta, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac: Mix in buffalo sauce, top with blue cheese crumbles, and garnish with chopped green onions for a tangy version.
• Smoky BBQ Chicken Mac: Stir in BBQ sauce, use smoked gouda cheese, and sprinkle crispy bacon bits for a rich, smoky taste.

What to Serve with Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to cut through the rich, creamy mac and cheese, balancing the dish's heavy texture.
• Zesty Green Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, tangy contrast against the cheesy chicken mac and cheese, creating a refreshing palate cleanser.
• Bold Red Ale Match: Choose a hoppy amber ale or craft beer with caramel notes that complement the cheesy, savory chicken flavors and stand up to the dish's robust profile.
• Roasted Vegetable Side: Add garlic-roasted brussels sprouts or asparagus spears to introduce a slightly charred, earthy element that enhances the mac and cheese's creamy complexity.

How to Store Chicken Mac and Cheese Like a Pro

• Store leftover chicken mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the dish sealed tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the cooled mac and cheese securely in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months to preserve texture and flavor. Label the container with the date of preparation.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency if the sauce appears dry.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Chicken Mac and Cheese FAQs You’ll Want to Know

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses to create a unique flavor profile.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Chicken mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that most children love, and you can easily adjust spices to suit their taste.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk, and adding extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost nutritional value.

• What if I don't have fresh chicken?

Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken work perfectly as time-saving alternatives in this recipe.

Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese delivers comfort on a plate, blending hearty pasta with succulent chicken in a rich, velvety sauce. Cheese lovers and home cooks will savor this classic dish that promises warmth and satisfaction in every delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• 1/2 cup cooked chicken (optional)

Pasta and Dairy:

• 16 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup butter

Seasonings and Extras:

• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and generously grease a large baking dish.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then grill or bake until fully cooked and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. While chicken is cooking, boil macaroni in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
4. Slice or shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in milk and heavy cream to create a smooth base.
6. Gradually fold in cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and fully incorporated.
7. Mix the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
8. Fold in the cooked chicken pieces, distributing them throughout the mac and cheese mixture.
9. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
10. Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then sprinkle the mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
12. Remove from oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Customize the seasoning by experimenting with different spice blends like Cajun or Italian herbs to add unique flavor profiles to the chicken.
• Opt for whole wheat macaroni or gluten-free pasta alternatives to make the dish more diet-friendly and nutritionally diverse.
• Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, and gruyere to create a more complex and rich cheese sauce with deeper flavor dimensions.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or milk and reduce the amount of cheese to cut down on calories while maintaining creamy texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 695
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg