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Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese: Your Ultimate Comfort Dish

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring rich cheese sauce and tender chicken for a hearty meal.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 2 cups Elbow Macaroni cook until al dente
For the Chicken
  • 1 pound Chicken Breast can substitute with turkey or rotisserie chicken
For the Cheese Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons Butter olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Flour all-purpose is ideal
  • 2 cups Milk whole milk preferred
  • 2 cups Cheddar Cheese can experiment with gouda or mozzarella
For the Topping (optional)
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs panko recommended for extra crispiness

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • whisk
  • Oven-safe dish

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, typically 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add cubed chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. In the same skillet, reduce heat and add another tablespoon of butter. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, whisking for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Gradually pour in 2 cups of milk, whisking until thickened for 4-5 minutes.
  4. Lower heat and add 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
  5. Gently fold cooked elbow macaroni and sautéed chicken into the cheese sauce, coating everything well.
  6. To bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer mixture to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake for about 20 minutes until golden and crispy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 34gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 14gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 2.5mg

Notes

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

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