Description
This chicken mac and cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy sauce that clings to tender elbow macaroni and juicy chicken pieces, creating a satisfying comfort meal. Made with shredded cheddar, milk, butter, and a simple roux, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. Follow our step‑by‑step instructions for a velvety cheese blend, balanced seasoning, and a golden finish that will delight the whole family. Serve hot, sprinkled with extra cheese and pair with a salad for a complete mea
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until thickened.
- Add shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper; stir until cheese melts.
- Fold in cooked macaroni and diced chicken; combine gently.
- Serve warm, optionally top with extra cheese.
Notes
- For a baked version
- transfer to a greased baking dish
- sprinkle with extra cheese
- and broil for 2‑3 minutes until golden. Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: chicken mac and cheese recipe, easy chicken mac and cheese, comfort food mac and cheese, quick chicken pasta bake, creamy cheese sauce recipe, family dinner ideas, stovetop mac and cheese, chicken pasta casserole, weeknight dinner recipes