Description
Delight in this creamy chicken and mac and cheese, where tender chicken meets cheesy pasta for a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook chicken thighs until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Create the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook until golden brown. Gradually add milk, stirring until thickened. Mix in shredded cheddar until fully melted.
- Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta with chopped chicken. Pour cheese sauce over the mixture and stir to combine.
- Bake: Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra cheddar if desired, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 120mg