Name: Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: Elbow macaroni – 3 cups; Cooked chicken breast – 2 cups; Butter – 4 tablespoons: Butter creates a rich base for the sauce; unsalted butter helps control the salt level.; All-purpose flour – 4 tablespoons: Used to thicken the sauce; cook it briefly with butter to avoid a raw flour taste.; Milk – 2½ cups: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture; warming it slightly helps prevent lumps.; Cheddar cheese – 2 cups (freshly grated: Freshly grated cheddar melts smoother and gives a stronger, cleaner cheese flavor.); Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup (freshly grated: Adds stretchiness and balances the sharpness of cheddar.); Cream cheese – 4 ounces (softened: Makes the sauce extra creamy and silky; softening helps it melt evenly.); Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste: Enhances all flavors; always add gradually and taste.); Black pepper – ½ teaspoon: Adds gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.; Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon: Provides depth of flavor while keeping the sauce smooth.; Paprika – ½ teaspoon: Adds mild smokiness and improves the casserole’s color.; Breadcrumbs – ½ cup: Creates a crispy topping; panko breadcrumbs give the best crunch.; Olive oil – 1 tablespoon: Helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly and become golden in the oven.

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I made this mac and Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken Recipe on a cozy evening when I wanted something filling, cheesy, and comforting without spending all day in the kitchen. The smell alone told me this recipe was a keeper. Every bite felt creamy, savory, and perfectly balanced with tender chicken throughout.

I loved how it came together easily and fed everyone generously. If you enjoy classic comfort food with a hearty twist, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home too. You can also enjoy similar flavors in a Copycat Texas Roadhouse Steak Recipe for a full hearty meal experience.

Ingredients Section

Here’s everything I used to make this creamy and satisfying casserole, along with a few tips I learned while cooking it.

Elbow macaroni – 3 cups (uncooked): This pasta shape holds the cheese sauce perfectly; cook only until al dente so it doesn’t become soft after baking.
Cooked chicken breast – 2 cups, diced or shredded: I prefer baked or rotisserie chicken because it stays juicy and adds great flavor without extra prep.
Butter – 4 tablespoons: Butter creates a rich base for the sauce; unsalted butter helps control the salt level.
All-purpose flour – 4 tablespoons: Used to thicken the sauce; cook it briefly with butter to avoid a raw flour taste.
Milk – 2½ cups: Whole milk gives the creamiest texture; warming it slightly helps prevent lumps.
Cheddar cheese – 2 cups, freshly grated: Freshly grated cheddar melts smoother and gives a stronger, cleaner cheese flavor.
Mozzarella cheese – 1 cup, freshly grated: Adds stretchiness and balances the sharpness of cheddar.
Cream cheese – 4 ounces, softened: Makes the sauce extra creamy and silky; softening helps it melt evenly.
Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste): Enhances all flavors; always add gradually and taste.
Black pepper – ½ teaspoon: Adds gentle warmth without overpowering the dish.
Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon: Provides depth of flavor while keeping the sauce smooth.
Paprika – ½ teaspoon: Adds mild smokiness and improves the casserole’s color.
Breadcrumbs – ½ cup: Creates a crispy topping; panko breadcrumbs give the best crunch.
Olive oil – 1 tablespoon: Helps the breadcrumbs brown evenly and become golden in the oven.

Note: This recipe serves 6 to 8 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. You can also enjoy similar cozy soups like Creamy Potato and Pumpkin Soup Recipe alongside this casserole for a comforting starter.

Variations

This mac and cheese casserole with chicken is easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs.

For a dairy-free version, use plant-based butter, almond milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives that melt well. If you want extra vegetables, stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli before baking. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also swap cheddar for smoked gouda or Monterey Jack for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Cooking Time

Here’s how long the recipe takes from start to finish:

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large pot – for boiling the pasta evenly
Saucepan – to prepare the creamy cheese sauce
Whisk – helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce
Baking dish – holds the casserole while baking
Mixing spoon – for combining pasta, chicken, and sauce

How to Make Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken Recipe?

This recipe comes together in simple stages, making it approachable even for beginners.

Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, following the package instructions. Drain well and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook later in the oven.

Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about one minute, whisking constantly. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.

Add the Cheese and Seasoning

Lower the heat and add the cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella. Stir until fully melted and creamy. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, adjusting to taste.

Combine Pasta and Chicken

Add the cooked pasta and chicken directly into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and well combined. This ensures every bite is creamy and flavorful.

Assemble the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish and spread it evenly for uniform baking.

Add the Topping and Bake

Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this casserole a few times, I picked up a few tricks that really improve the final result.

I always slightly undercook the pasta so it stays firm after baking.
Grating the cheese myself made the sauce noticeably smoother and richer.
I let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets nicely.
When I want extra flavor, I mix a little chicken broth into the sauce.

How to Serve Mac and Cheese Casserole with Chicken Recipe?

This casserole looks great served straight from the baking dish with its golden topping on display. I like to garnish it with fresh parsley or a sprinkle of paprika for color. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. It also works well as a main dish for potlucks or family-style dinners.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a general nutritional overview per serving:

Calories: Approximately 480 kcal
Protein: About 28 grams
Carbohydrates: Around 35 grams
Fat: Roughly 25 grams

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is perfect for planning ahead and storing leftovers.

Make Ahead:
You can assemble the casserole up to one day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.

Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing and Reheating:
Freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, adding a splash of milk if needed.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish stands out for many reasons, especially if you love comfort food with minimal effort.

It’s easy to prepare and doesn’t require complicated steps or tools.
The recipe is versatile and works with many ingredient swaps.
It’s filling enough to serve as a complete meal for the whole family.
The creamy, cheesy flavor with tender chicken is always satisfying.

If you’re looking for a dependable, crowd-pleasing comfort dish, this mac and cheese casserole with chicken recipe delivers every time.

Ash Tyrrell