Description
Indulge in a warm, cozy bowl of chicken and mac and cheese, where tender chicken meets creamy, cheesy pasta topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust. This dish is not only comforting but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With every bite, enjoy rich flavors and delightful memories, all wrapped up in this classic comfort food.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni in boiling water until al dente according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper and sauté until golden brown and fully cooked (6-8 minutes). Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a saucepan, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, then gradually add milk while stirring until thickened. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, chopped chicken, and cheese sauce; stir until well-coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with panko breadcrumbs. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg