The Best Chicken Macaroni and Cheese (Easy Stovetop or Baked!)

This definitive guide shows you how to make the best homemade chicken mac and cheese two ways: a quick 30-minute stovetop version and a classic baked casserole with a golden panko topping. The key to success is our foolproof, ultra-creamy cheese sauce made with freshly grated cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

Craving the ultimate comfort food? This is the only chicken macaroni and cheese recipe you’ll ever need, with simple, step-by-step instructions for a quick and creamy stovetop version or a bubbly, golden-brown baked casserole. Combining tender chicken with creamy, cheesy macaroni, it’s a dish that satisfies both your taste buds and your schedule. Perfect for busy weeknights, this 30-minute recipe delivers the rich flavors of a classic comfort food with the added bonus of protein-packed chicken. Whether you’re cooking for family or simply treating yourself, this dish offers a delightful balance of convenience and indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese recipe is a comforting, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender chicken with cheesy macaroni, it offers a hearty meal that’s both quick to prepare and delightful to eat.

• Quick and Convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is ideal for those seeking a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly: Its rich, cheesy flavor and tender chicken pieces make it a hit among both adults and children, ensuring clean plates all around.
• Versatile: Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie, or freshly cooked, this dish adapts to what you have on hand, making it a flexible option for any day.
• Comfort Food Classic: The creamy cheese sauce enveloping the macaroni and chicken provides a warm, satisfying experience that’s perfect for any season.
• Nutrient-Rich: Incorporating chicken adds a good source of protein, making this indulgent dish a more balanced meal option.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this Chicken Macaroni and Cheese recipe offers a delightful combination of taste, convenience, and comfort.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Macaroni and Cheese:

• 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Topping:

• ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

These ingredients combine to create a creamy, cheesy chicken pasta that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

The Secret to an Ultra-Creamy, Non-Grainy Cheese Sauce

Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s talk about what separates restaurant-quality mac and cheese from the disappointing, grainy disasters that many home cooks accidentally create. The difference lies in understanding the science behind cheese melting and sauce formation.

Why Fresh-Grated Cheese Makes All the Difference

Pre-shredded cheese from the grocery store contains anti-caking agents like cellulose powder and potato starch. While these additives prevent the cheese from clumping in the bag, they create a barrier that interferes with smooth melting. These agents absorb moisture and prevent the cheese proteins from properly integrating with your sauce base, leading to a gritty, separated texture that no amount of stirring can fix.

When you grate cheese fresh from the block, you’re working with pure cheese proteins and fats that melt beautifully into a silky, cohesive sauce. The extra few minutes spent grating will reward you with a noticeably smoother, more luxurious texture.

Temperature Control: The Make-or-Break Moment

Here’s where most home cooks go wrong: they add cheese to a bubbling hot sauce. When cheese proteins are exposed to high heat (above 160°F), they contract and squeeze out moisture, creating that dreaded grainy, curdled appearance. This process is irreversible – once your sauce breaks, you can’t fix it.

The solution is simple but crucial: remove your sauce from heat before adding cheese. The residual heat in your roux-thickened base is perfectly sufficient to melt the cheese gently. This controlled melting allows the cheese proteins to incorporate smoothly without seizing up, creating that restaurant-quality, velvety texture you’re after.

The Roux Foundation

A proper cheese sauce starts with a roux – equal parts butter and flour cooked together. This isn’t just a thickener; it’s a stabilizer that helps bind the fats in your cheese with the liquid in your sauce. The flour proteins create a network that prevents separation, while the butter adds richness and helps carry flavors. Cook your roux for at least one minute to eliminate the raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown for this recipe. (👉 “If you’d rather skip flour, here’s a full guide on Mac and Cheese Without Flour.

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By understanding these fundamental principles, you’re not just following a recipe – you’re mastering the technique that will serve you in countless future cooking endeavors.

How to Make Chicken Mac and Cheese: Two Perfect Methods

Whether you’re pressed for time or want to create an impressive baked casserole, both methods start with the same foundation of perfectly cooked chicken and our signature ultra-creamy cheese sauce. Choose the method that fits your schedule and desired presentation.

Method 1: Quick & Creamy Stovetop (30 Minutes)

Perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort food fast. This method delivers all the creamy, cheesy goodness in just one skillet.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Fill a large pot with water, adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil.
2. Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite).
3. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Season the diced chicken breast generously with salt and pepper.
3. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
2. Add the finely diced onion and sauté for 3–5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute to form a roux.
5. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring the mixture remains smooth and lump-free.
6. Slowly add the milk while whisking continuously.
7. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 3–5 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard.
9. Add the grated cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring gently until completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. Add the cooked macaroni and chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce.
2. Gently fold everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are evenly coated.
3. Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Method 2: Ultimate Baked Casserole

Perfect for meal prep, entertaining, or when you want that irresistible golden-brown, bubbly top. This method creates a restaurant-style presentation that’s sure to impress.

Steps 1-3: Follow the Stovetop Method

Complete Steps 1-3 from the stovetop method above (cooking pasta, preparing chicken, and making the cheese sauce).

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked macaroni and chicken to the cheese sauce, gently folding everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 6: Create the Golden Topping

In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, mixing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Jump to Recipe

Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese in 30 Minutes

Explore our easy chicken macaroni and cheese recipe for a comforting, creamy meal you can whip up in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy nights!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Comfort Food, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk or a milk-cream blend for extra richness
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup cooked and diced chicken breast
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional, for a crunchy topping
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

 

Prep the Pasta:

• Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Make the Roux:

• In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
• Stir in the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and bubbly, about 1-2 minutes.

Create the Cheese Sauce:

• Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps.
• Continue stirring and allow the sauce to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
• Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth.

Combine Chicken and Pasta:

• Fold in the cooked chicken and prepared macaroni into the sauce.
• Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Optional Baked Finish:

• Preheat the oven to 375°F if you prefer a baked version.
• Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into an ovenproof dish, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top, and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden brown.

Serve:

• Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, protein-packed meal!

Notes

• Calories: ~550
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Sugar: 4 g

Pro Tips and Variations

Elevate your Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese with these expert tips and creative twists. Whether you’re aiming for extra creaminess, a protein boost, or a new flavor profile, these suggestions will help you customize the dish to your liking.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Create a Velvety Cheese Sauce: Opt for freshly grated cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded types, as the latter often include additives that can hinder smooth melting.
• Avoid a Gritty Consistency: Stir in the cheese after removing the sauce from the heat; excessive heat can break the cheese down into a grainy texture.
• Achieve Ideal Pasta Firmness: Boil the macaroni just until it’s al dente, ensuring it holds its bite when mixed with the creamy sauce.
• Boost Flavor with a Bold Accent: Consider finishing the dish with crumbled blue cheese to add a spicy, tangy twist.

Flavorful Variations to Try

• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Mix in shredded cooked chicken tossed with buffalo sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of blue cheese for an extra kick.
• Green Chile Chicken Mac and Cheese: Incorporate the diced green chiles and pepper jack cheese into the sauce, then garnish with freshly chopped cilantro to impart a Southwestern touch.
• BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Stir in chopped barbecue chicken and a handful of caramelized onions, then top with a light dusting of smoked gouda.
• Vegetable-Loaded Mac and Cheese: Incorporate steamed broccoli or lightly sautéed spinach to boost nutrition and color.

Feel free to mix and match these tips and variations to create a version of Chicken Macaroni and Cheese that perfectly suits your taste and dietary needs.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Transform your Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese into a well-rounded meal with these delightful side dishes. Each option complements the creamy, cheesy goodness of the main dish, adding variety and balance to your plate.

Vegetables

• Steamed Broccoli: A classic pairing, steamed broccoli adds a fresh, slightly bitter contrast to the rich flavors of mac and cheese.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Their caramelized edges and nutty flavor provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Garlic Roasted Zucchini: Lightly seasoned and roasted to perfection, zucchini offers a mild flavor that complements the dish.
• Cabbage Slaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw can cut through the creaminess, adding a refreshing bite.

Salads

• Simple Green Salad A mix of fresh greens with a light vinaigrette provides a crisp, refreshing contras.
• Kale Caesar Salad The hearty texture of kale paired with a creamy dressing adds depth to your mea.
• Cucumber Salad with Grapes and Almonds This sweet and savory combination offers a unique twist to traditional salad.

Breads

• Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover cheese saue.
• No-Knead Skillet Bread: A rustic, hearty bread that adds substance to your mel.
• Crescent Rolls: Soft, flaky rolls that are easy to serve and enjoy alongside your main dih.

Soups

• Tomato Soup: A classic pairing, the acidity of tomato soup balances the richness of mac and chese.
• Creamy Cucumber Soup: Light and refreshing, this soup adds a cool contrast to the warm, cheesy pata.

These side dishes not only enhance the flavors of your Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese but also add color and nutrition to your ma.Feel free to mix and match to suit your preferences and create a dining experience that’s both satisfying and delightul.

Conclusion

In just 30 minutes, you’ve crafted a satisfying, creamy, and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. This Easy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese combines tender chicken with rich, cheesy pasta, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite. Feel free to personalize it with your favorite add-ins or toppings to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that comes with every bite of this homemade comfort food.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Last Updated on August 28, 2025 by Janelle

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Janelle

Hey, I’m Janelle — lifelong cheese lover, accidental recipe blogger, and creator of Essence Cheese. I grew up in a home where mac and cheese was a food group and cheesecake was emotional support. Now I share cheesy comfort recipes that are simple, soulful, and always satisfying. If it melts, bakes, or swirls into creaminess… I’m probably writing about it.

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