Creamy Chicken and Mac and Cheese – Comfort Food Delight

Recipe By:

James Walker

Posted:

July 31, 2025

Updated:

July 31, 2025

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Imagine a steaming bowl of chicken and mac and cheese, where creamy cheese sauce envelops tender pasta and succulent chicken bites. The aroma wafts through the air like a warm hug, inviting you to dig in. Now, picture this dish on a cozy family night, laughter echoing around the table as everyone eagerly awaits their first bite.

This delightful combination is not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together. Whether it’s a rainy day comfort or a celebration with loved ones, chicken and mac and cheese never fails to deliver joy. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This chicken and mac and cheese recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
With its rich flavor profile, it’s sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters at your table
The beautiful golden crust adds visual appeal, making it almost too pretty to eat—but trust me, you will!
This dish is versatile enough to be customized based on what you have in your fridge, so feel free to get creative!

I remember the first time I made chicken and mac and cheese for my family. My brother’s face lit up like Christmas morning when he took his first bite. That moment solidified this dish’s place in our family traditions.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

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

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but adjust based on how many you’re feeding.
Macaroni Pasta: Elbow macaroni works best for holding onto all that gooey cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives this dish a rich flavor; feel free to mix in some mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Milk: Whole milk ensures your sauce is creamy; skim milk doesn’t quite cut it here.
Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over salt levels in your cheesy goodness.
Flour: All-purpose flour thickens your cheese sauce; it’s a must-have for that perfect texture.
Ground Mustard Powder: A pinch adds depth without overwhelming the other flavors; trust me on this one!
Paprika: This spice adds a mild smokiness; I prefer smoked paprika here for an extra kick.
Salt & Pepper: Seasoning is key—don’t skimp on these essentials!

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare the Chicken: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating up, season your boneless chicken breasts with salt and pepper.

Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt a tablespoon of butter. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package instructions—usually around 8-10 minutes.

Create the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour until smooth—this forms your roux—and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly! Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk while stirring constantly until thickened.

Add Cheese Seasoning : Once your sauce thickens beautifully, remove it from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese along with ground mustard powder and paprika. Keep stirring until all that cheesy goodness melts into submission!

Combine Everything : Drain your macaroni once cooked. In a large bowl, combine the macaroni with shredded chicken pieces and pour that luscious cheese sauce over everything. Mix well until every noodle gets covered!

Bake it Up!: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. For extra crunchiness, sprinkle some additional cheddar on top if you’re feeling fancy! Bake uncovered for about 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Get ready to enjoy your homemade chicken and mac and cheese masterpiece!

Now grab those forks because you won’t want to miss out on this delectable dish that promises smiles all around!

You Must Know

This chicken and mac and cheese recipe combines creamy goodness with tender chicken
You can adjust the cheese types to match your flavor preferences, making it a comforting and versatile dish for any occasion
The aroma fills the kitchen, making it hard to resist

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first for great flavor, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy cheese sauce. This method maximizes efficiency and ensures everything finishes at the same time.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cheeses or add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition. You can even spice things up with jalapeños or barbecue sauce if you’re feeling adventurous.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and heat in the oven for best results.

Chef's Helpful Tips

To make this dish sing, use freshly grated cheese for creaminess
Avoid overcooking chicken; it should be juicy and tender
Don’t forget to season your pasta water generously; it makes all the difference!

Creating this chicken and mac and cheese has become a family favorite, especially when my kids beg for seconds after dinner. Their smiles make all the effort worthwhile.

FAQs

FAQ

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your cheese is certified gluten-free for a safe option.

Can I use leftover chicken in this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken adds convenience and enhances flavor without extra cooking time.

What type of cheese works best?

Cheddar is classic, but combining mozzarella or gouda gives a unique twist that everyone will love.

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