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–+ servings
Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights In

Indulge in this creamy chicken mac and cheese recipe, the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights, featuring tender chicken and gooey cheese.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Baking Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Chicken
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni can use gluten-free pasta
For the Chicken
  • 1 lb Chicken Breasts cooked rotisserie chicken can be used
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp Butter opt for olive oil for dairy-free
  • 2 tbsp Flour cornstarch works as a gluten-free substitute
  • 2 cups Milk whole milk or almond milk for dairy-free
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese consider swapping for gouda or mozzarella
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs optional for a crunchy finish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • large skillet
  • Colander
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • Oven-safe Dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Boil Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Chicken: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Melt another 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour to form a roux, then gradually add 2 cups of milk, whisking until thickened.
  4. Incorporate Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  5. Combine: Gently fold in cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken, ensuring everything is well combined.
  6. Bake (optional): Preheat oven to 350°F. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake for 20 minutes until golden.
  7. Serve: Allow to cool briefly, then serve warm, garnishing with fresh parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 35gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize with different cheeses or add vegetables for added nutrition.

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