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Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese: Family Comfort in Every Bite

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken with gooey cheese and macaroni.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni Feel free to swap with other pasta shapes like shells or penne.
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breasts Cooked shredded rotisserie chicken is a time-saving option.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Butter Olive oil can be an alternative.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Consider gluten-free flour if avoiding gluten.
  • 2 cups Milk For extra richness, mix in some cream.
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese Experiment with gouda or mozzarella for a different profile.
For Topping (Optional)
  • 0.5 cups Breadcrumbs Omit if you prefer a softer texture.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • colander
  • Whisk
  • Oven-safe dish (optional)

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add cubed chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Using the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour for about 1-2 minutes until smooth. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, cooking until thickened, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low and add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  5. Fold in the cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken until evenly coated with cheese sauce.
  6. For a crunchy topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For customization, add favorite vegetables like broccoli or spinach to enhance nutrition.

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