If you’re craving ultimate comfort food with a restaurant-worthy creamy sauce, my Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is about to become your new favorite! Juicy bits of chicken nestle between elbow macaroni, all blanketed by a golden cheddar cheese sauce that’s so silky, every bite feels indulgent. Whether you want a weeknight dinner that comes together with pantry staples, or an impressive dish for guests, this recipe hits all the right notes for classic, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying mac and cheese.

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese is how its simple list of ingredients creates layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component brings something special to the dish—making every forkful cozy, creamy, and delicious.

Chicken breasts: Lean boneless, skinless chicken breast makes the dish hearty—cut into cubes for tender bites in every spoonful.
Elbow macaroni: The iconic shape for mac and cheese, elbows soak up the sauce and deliver classic nostalgia.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Go for sharp for bolder flavor and that glorious golden hue; shredding your own makes it meltier!
Whole milk: The fat content in whole milk ensures maximum creaminess in your sauce—don’t swap for skim.
Unsalted butter: Butter is the key to richness; it also helps when browning the chicken and making your roux.
All-purpose flour: Just a little flour thickens the sauce to that signature velvet texture.
Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder adds depth without overpowering the cheese or chicken.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning lets all the other flavors shine—taste as you go for best results.
Breadcrumbs (optional): For a bakery-style golden crunch, sprinkle these on top and bake until bubbly and crisp.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Get started by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—salting generously infuses the macaroni with flavor from the inside out. Add the elbow macaroni and cook just until al dente, since the pasta will soak up extra sauce later. Drain well and set aside. You want the pasta hot and ready for the luscious cheese sauce that’s on the way!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat half of your butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the cubed chicken. Season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about five to seven minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and has a touch of golden brown on the edges. The goal is juicy, savory pieces that complement the rich cheese sauce.

Step 3: Create the Cheese Sauce

Without wiping out the pan (those tasty chicken bits add flavor!), melt in the remaining butter. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously until it forms a smooth, pale roux. Gradually pour in the whole milk, whisking as you go, and cook for four to five minutes. The sauce should thicken to a silky, pourable consistency—think lightly coating the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Add Cheddar

Turn the heat down low and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Keep stirring until it’s fully melted and the sauce transforms into a glossy, cheesy dream. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed—the sharp cheddar is what distinguishes this Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese with its tangy, unmistakable flavor.

Step 5: Combine

Now comes the best part: gently fold the cooked macaroni and sautéed chicken into the cheese sauce. Toss until every noodle and chicken bite is gloriously coated. The aroma at this stage is pure comfort!

Step 6: Bake (optional)

If you love a crunchy topping, preheat your oven to 350°F. Transfer the Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese to an oven-safe baking dish, then shower the surface with breadcrumbs. Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the top is crisp and golden, with bubbling cheese peeking through.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

A dish as creamy and rich as this deserves a little finishing flourish! Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives on top for a pop of green color and mild freshness. If you want more cheese pull, add a light dusting of extra cheddar before serving. Even a quick grind of black pepper lifts the flavor and adds a gourmet touch.

Side Dishes

While Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese can absolutely shine as a meal on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with crisp, vibrant sides. Try a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, garlicky roasted broccoli, or some blistered cherry tomatoes for a bit of acidity and contrast. Warm, crusty bread is always welcome to scoop up any extra sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

For fun family-style dinners, serve the Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese straight from the baking dish, garnished with a handful of fresh herbs. Hosting? Portion into ramekins or mini casserole dishes for individual servings. To make it picnic-perfect, scoop into thermoses or mason jars—kids and adults alike love the portable, cheesy goodness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let any remaining mac and cheese cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll keep beautifully for up to three days, staying creamy and delicious when you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

If you want to plan ahead, Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese freezes incredibly well. Once cooled, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, simply warm in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of milk before heating—it helps revive that saucy texture and prevents things from drying out. Stir frequently and heat just until it’s piping hot and creamy again.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Simply shred or chop the cooked rotisserie chicken and stir it in with the pasta in step 5. This shortcut makes weeknight Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese even faster, and adds a wonderful roasted chicken flavor.

What other cheeses can I try in this recipe?

While sharp cheddar is classic, you can get creative with cheese! Fontina, gouda, Monterey Jack, or even some mozzarella can be blended in for extra richness or melt. Just keep most of it cheddar for the iconic mac and cheese flavor.

Is it necessary to bake the mac and cheese?

Not at all! Baking adds a crispy golden topping, but the dish is perfectly delicious straight from the stovetop if you prefer it extra creamy. Save the baking step for when you want a little extra texture.

How can I make this Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese gluten-free?

Swap in your favorite gluten-free macaroni and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Most major grocery stores have both available, and the result is just as tasty!

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely—this dish is a fantastic canvas for extra veggies. Try steamed broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sweet peas, or roasted red peppers. Add them in step 5 when combining everything for an easy one-dish meal.

Final Thoughts

There’s something magical about a bowl of Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese that’s both nostalgic and freshly exciting, every single time. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try—whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress a crowd. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfect pasta are sure to win hearts (and appetites) wherever you serve it!

Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a comforting and decadent Creamy Chicken Mac and Cheese that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water and cook elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cubed chicken seasoned with salt and pepper; cook for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked.
Create the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add more butter. Stir in flour until smooth, then slowly whisk in milk until thickened (about 4-5 minutes).
Add Cheddar: Lower heat and gradually stir in shredded cheddar until melted and smooth.
Combine: Gently fold in cooked pasta and sautéed chicken until coated in the cheese sauce.
Bake (optional): For a crunchy topping, transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 20 minutes.

Notes

You can customize this dish by adding diced vegetables or crispy bacon for extra flavor.
Adjust the cheese quantity based on your preference for a cheesier or creamier sauce.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop, Oven
Cuisine: American