Delicious Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake

Name: Delicious Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Total time: 35 mins
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz elbow macaroni; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 2 cups milk; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs; 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)

By: RILEY

Published: April 12, 2026

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Introduction

Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked macaroni. It's a dish that warms the heart and pleases the palate, making it a favorite for family dinners and cozy nights in. Packed with flavor and incredibly easy to prepare, this casserole will quickly become a regular in your meal rotation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's a one-dish meal that's perfect for busy weeknights.
The creamy cheese sauce is utterly irresistible and comforting.
You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices!

Ingredients Overview

This Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake features a handful of simple ingredients: tender elbow macaroni, shredded chicken, and a luscious cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and gooey mozzarella. Together, they create a dish that's not only filling but also bursting with melty goodness. Plus, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top adds a delightful crunch!

Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake ingredients preparation

Ingredients ready to go

Step-by-Step Instructions

This easy recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings. The creamy cheese sauce is made by melting butter and whisking in flour to create a roux, then gradually adding milk to achieve a deliciously smooth texture. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives this dish its signature cheesy flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cooking in progress

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Troubleshooting and Pro Tips

To ensure your mac and cheese bake turns out perfectly, here are two solid tips: 1. Be sure not to overcook your macaroni; you want it al dente since it will continue to cook in the oven. 2. For a more complex flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or mustard to the cheese sauce.

Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake finished dish

Ready to serve!

Storage, Reheating, and Making Ahead

Refrigeration: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: The dish can be frozen before baking. Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
Reheating: To reheat, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal. For something lighter, consider serving it with steamed vegetables or a vegetable medley.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to mix different types of cheese such as gouda or pepper jack for a unique twist!

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make the cheese sauce.

Delicious Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake

A creamy and cheesy Chicken Mac and Cheese Bake that's perfect for family dinner or a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and easy to make!

Prep Time 15 mins

Cook Time 20 mins

Total Time 35 mins

By: Riley
Category: Chicken Recipes
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 6 Servings
Dietary: None

Ingredients

01 8 oz elbow macaroni
02 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
03 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
04 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
05 2 cups milk
06 1/4 cup butter
07 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
08 1/2 tsp garlic powder
09 1/2 tsp onion powder
10 1/2 tsp salt
11 1/4 tsp black pepper
12 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
13 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

Step 02

Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

Step 03

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Step 04

Stir in flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until combined.

Step 05

Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened.

Step 06

Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 07

Combine macaroni and shredded chicken in a large bowl; add cheese sauce and mozzarella. Mix well.

Step 08

Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.

Step 09

Bake for 20 minutes or until golden and bubbly.

Step 10

Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

1 Feel free to use any leftover chicken you have on hand.
2 Add vegetables like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition.
3 This dish can be made in advance and refrigerated before baking.

Tools You'll Need

Large pot for boiling pasta
Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
Whisk
Mixing bowl
Baking dish
Measuring cups and spoons

Riley

Hi there I’m Riley Thompson, 42 years old, currently cooking, teaching, and experimenting from my cozy kitchen in Asheville, North Carolina. I wasn’t always a chef. In fact, I spent the first part of my adult life working in advertising in Chicago, living on takeout and black coffee. But somewhere between late nights and client deadlines, I realized that the happiest moments of my week were when I was trying to recreate my grandmother’s chicken pot pie on Sunday afternoons. That slow shift from eating to cooking sparked something deeper in me. I started small watching cooking shows, reading old cookbooks, and playing around with ingredients I barely knew how to pronounce. I burned a lot of things. I under-seasoned even more. But every time I nailed a dish. even a simple scrambled egg.I felt like I’d won a little prize. That joy never left. When I turned 30, I left my job, much to everyone’s confusion, and enrolled in a local culinary program. It was terrifying and thrilling. I wasn’t the youngest, or the fastest, but I was obsessed. After graduation, I spent a few years working in restaurants, picking up everything I could about timing, knife work, and how to stay calm when you’re ten tickets deep on a Saturday night. But it was in my own kitchen, making meals for friends and family, that I found my groove. These days, I focus on helping home cooks people just like you feel confident in the kitchen. I believe in recipes that work but also leave room for creativity. Cooking should feel like jazz, not math. I want you to taste, adjust, and make it your own. Some of the best meals I’ve ever had were “mistakes” that turned out better than the plan. I love teaching people how to use what they already have in their pantry, how to trust their palate, and how to bring a little fun into every meal. Whether it's a Tuesday night pasta or a weekend brunch with friends, my goal is to help you find the rhythm and joy in cooking without the stress. So come hang out, grab your favorite knife, and let’s cook something delicious together. Mistakes welcome. Seconds encouraged.

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