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Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese That Warms the Heart

Experience the bliss of Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese, a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings and quick family dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Elbow Macaroni Feel free to swap for shells or penne.
For the Chicken
  • 2 cups Chicken Breast Using rotisserie chicken saves prep time.
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Opt for unsalted for better seasoning control.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour Gluten-free flour is a great alternative.
  • 2 cups Milk Can substitute with heavy cream or non-dairy milk.
  • 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese Mix with gouda or mozzarella for a twist.
For the Topping
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • colander
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • oven-safe baking dish

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add seasoned chicken breast pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour, stirring for 1-2 minutes until golden. Gradually add 2 cups of milk, stirring until thickened.
  4. Lower heat and add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted and smooth.
  5. Combine the cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken with the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat.
  6. Transfer to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle panko on top, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of milk for creaminess.

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