Cheesy Chicken Macaroni Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Chicken Macaroni Bake, a dish that combines tender chunks of seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, and a creamy, homemade cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and Parmesan. Topped with golden, crispy breadcrumbs, this family-friendly casserole is baked to bubbly perfection in just 25 minutes. Loaded with flavors of garlic, onion, and buttery richness, this easy-to-make recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. With a prep time of only 20 minutes, this hearty, cheesy pasta bake delivers satisfying flavor in every bite and serves up to six people. Perfect for anyone craving a classic, comfort-packed meal that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 pieces chicken breast
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked. Let it cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, to make a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens.
Stir in the sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
Combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Mix until fully coated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until evenly coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Let the Cheesy Chicken Macaroni Bake cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3352 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 161.0 g | 206% | |
| Saturated Fat | 86.7 g | 434% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 629 mg | 210% | |
| Sodium | 7374 mg | 321% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 284.2 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.2 g | 44% | |
| Total Sugars | 38.8 g | ||
| Protein | 201.8 g | 404% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 2764 mg | 213% | |
| Iron | 16.0 mg | 89% | |
| Potassium | 1772 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
