Chicken and Cheddar Mac and Cheese Recipe
This classic Chicken and Cheese recipe combines tender sautéed chicken breasts with creamy sharp cheddar cheese sauce and perfectly cooked elbow macaroni. Finished with an optional crispy breadcrumb topping baked to golden perfection, this comforting dish is ideal for a hearty family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside to use later in the recipe.
- Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Cube the chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet, cooking for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked through and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, stir in the flour and garlic powder, whisking continuously to form a smooth roux. Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheddar: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine: Gently fold the cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the creamy cheddar mixture.
- Bake (Optional): For a crispy breadcrumb topping, transfer the cheesy chicken and macaroni mixture into an oven-safe dish. Sprinkle the ½ cup breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- The breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch to the dish.
- You can substitute sharp cheddar with a milder cheese or a cheese blend if preferred.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs like thyme or parsley to the cheese sauce.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Keywords: chicken and cheese, cheesy chicken pasta, baked macaroni and cheese with chicken, comfort food, easy chicken dinner
