Easy Creamy Chicken Macaroni Bake
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this Easy Creamy Chicken Macaroni Bake is the ultimate crowd-pleasing casserole perfect for weeknight dinners or potluck gatherings. Featuring tender elbow macaroni, juicy shredded chicken, and a rich homemade cheese sauce made from sharp cheddar and Parmesan, this dish delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs for a satisfying crunch, it’s baked to bubbly perfection in just 30 minutes. With simple pantry staples like flour, butter, and milk, paired with aromatic garlic and onion powders, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of creamy and savory. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness, and enjoy a classic baked pasta masterpiece your whole family will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups chicken breast, cooked and shredded or diced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoons salt
- 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cups plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, or until thickened.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil (or melted butter). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and chicken.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
484 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.0 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.9 g | 79% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 138 mg | 46% | |
| Sodium | 778 mg | 34% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.7 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.5 g | 2% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.8 g | ||
| Protein | 40.9 g | 82% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.1 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 470 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 394 mg | 8% | |
*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.
