Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting dish featuring tender cubed chicken and rich cheddar sauce enveloping perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. An easy dinner option for busy nights or lazy Sundays.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Serving Size servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups dry)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (reserve a little for topping if baking)
2 cups whole milk (substitute: 2% for lighter, or half-and-half for extra richness)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional) (panko for extra crunch)

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Set a large pot of salted water to boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Season cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder. Add chicken to the skillet and sauté for about 5–7 minutes until cooked through and lightly browned. Remove chicken to a plate.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute to form a smooth paste.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 4–5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
Turn heat to very low. Gradually add shredded cheddar in small handfuls, stirring until each addition melts before adding more. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and additional garlic powder if needed.
Fold in the drained pasta and cooked chicken into the cheese sauce until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water.
For a crunchy top, transfer the mixture to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs (and a bit more cheddar) over the top, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes