Description
This creamy, comforting Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake combines tender diced chicken, a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar and mozzarella, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, it’s a quick, family-friendly dish with a sophisticated twist. Includes shredded carrots and nutty layers for added flavor and texture.
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts, cooked and diced
3 cups elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter (for cheese sauce)
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/3 cup chopped roasted nuts (e.g., almonds)
1 cup shredded carrot
1 large egg, beaten
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 tsp nutmeg, freshly grated
2 tbsp melted unsalted butter (for topping)
Optional: 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Cook chicken breasts by sautéing, baking, or grilling until no longer pink. Dice into small pieces
Boil elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside
In a saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Whisk in 1/2 cup flour to make a roux. Slowly add 2 cups milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps
Simmer cheese sauce until thickened, then stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted
Season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, diced chicken, cheese sauce, shredded carrot, and 1 cup shredded carrot. Mix well
In a separate bowl, toss panko with melted butter, chopped nuts, lemon juice, and optional parsley. Set aside
Transfer pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread panko mixture evenly on top
Bake for 30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving
Notes
Use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie or shredded turkey) for faster prep
Add sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra veggies
For a smoother sauce, use a hand mixer or immersion blender
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
Freeze unbaked dish for up to 2 months
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 180mg