Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

There’s something magical about mac and cheese, isn’t there? That first creamy, cheesy bite just melts away any bad day. But when my kids begged for “the one with chicken and bacon” every week, I knew this Chicken Macaroni and Cheese had become our family’s ultimate comfort food.

It started as a happy accident, throwing leftovers into a classic mac and cheese, but now it’s the dish everyone requests at potlucks and snowy Sunday dinners. The crispy bacon adds the perfect crunch, while tender chicken turns it into a meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand why it’s our go-to.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

This isn’t just any mac and cheese, it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and sigh with happiness after the first bite. Here’s why it’s become my family’s favorite:

• Creamy dreamy texture: The combo of cream cheese, sour cream, and three kinds of melted cheese creates a sauce so luscious, you’ll want to lick the spoon (no judgment here!)
• Easy weeknight win: With just 15 minutes of prep and pantry staples, you can have this comforting bake on the table faster than ordering takeout
• Kid-approved magic: The ranch seasoning gives it that irresistible flavor that even picky eaters can’t resist – my toddlers don’t even notice the hidden protein!
• Perfect potluck pleaser: It travels well, feeds a crowd, and always has people asking for the recipe (I should know – I’ve brought it to every gathering since 2018)

Ingredients for Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy, dreamy dish. I’ve organized it by category so you can shop and prep efficiently – because who wants to dig through their fridge mid-recipe?

The Pasta

• 16 oz elbow macaroni – cooked al dente (about 1 minute less than package directions)

The Creamy Dreamy Base

• 1 (8-oz) package cream cheese – softened to room temperature (this is KEY for smooth mixing)
• 1 (10.75-oz) can cream of chicken soup – the flavor booster we all grew up loving
• 1 cup sour cream – full fat for maximum creaminess
• 1 cup milk – whole milk works best, but 2% will do in a pinch

The Cheese (Because More is Better)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – packed (I use mild for the kids, but sharp adds great flavor)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – for that perfect stretch
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – reserved for the golden top layer

The Flavor Boosters

• 1 (1-oz) packet ranch dressing mix – the secret weapon for irresistible flavor
• 1½ cups cooked, chopped chicken – rotisserie chicken works beautifully here
• ½ cup cooked, crumbled turkey bacon – or regular bacon if you’re feeling indulgent

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are my tried-and-true swaps:

• Pasta: Shells or cavatappi hold the sauce beautifully if you’re out of elbows
• Meats: Leftover holiday turkey or diced ham work great instead of chicken
• Veggies: Stir in 2 cups steamed broccoli florets or spinach for some green
• Spice it up: Add 1/2 tsp cayenne or diced jalapeños for a kick
• Gluten-free: Use GF pasta and swap the soup for 1 cup GF chicken broth + 2 tbsp cornstarch

The only non-negotiable? That cream cheese must be properly softened – I leave mine on the counter for at least 2 hours before baking. Cold cream cheese will leave you with lumpy sauce, and nobody wants that!

How to Make Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, but I’ll walk you through each one to ensure creamy, cheesy perfection every time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first – turn that oven to 350°F and grab your favorite 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a quick spritz with cooking spray (the sides too!) so nothing sticks. Trust me, scrubbing baked-on cheese is nobody’s idea of fun.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Just Right

While the oven heats up, cook your elbow macaroni in salted boiling water for about 1 minute less than the package says. We want al dente – firm to the bite – because it’ll keep cooking in the oven. Drain it well (but don’t rinse!) and set aside.

Step 3: Make That Dreamy Cheese Sauce

Now the magic happens! In a large bowl, combine your softened cream cheese (see why we let it sit out?), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar, mozzarella, and that flavor-packed ranch mix. Use a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula to mix until smooth. If you spot any stubborn cream cheese lumps, just keep stirring – they’ll melt into submission!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Toss in your chopped chicken and crumbled bacon, then gently fold in the cooked macaroni. Pour in the milk gradually while stirring – this helps everything combine evenly without making the mixture too runny.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer your cheesy masterpiece to the prepared dish and sprinkle the remaining sharp cheddar evenly over the top. Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly around the edges and that cheese topping turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

After making this dozens of times (okay, maybe hundreds), I’ve picked up some game-changing tricks:

• Reserve pasta water: Before draining your macaroni, save 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water. If your sauce seems too thick when mixing, splash in a tablespoon or two – it works miracles!
• Broil for extra crisp: For an irresistible crunchy top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes (watch it closely!).
• Rest before serving: Let it sit for 5 minutes after baking – this helps the sauce set so you get perfect slices.
• Layer cheeses smartly: Always put mozzarella in the sauce (for stretch) and save sharp cheddar for topping (for flavor).

See? Easy peasy! Now you’re ready to make the creamiest, cheesiest, most comforting Chicken Macaroni and Cheese that’ll have everyone begging for seconds.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Now that you’ve got this glorious pan of bubbly, golden Chicken Macaroni and Cheese ready, let’s talk about how to serve it up right. I always say the sides can make or break a comfort food meal – here’s how we do it in our house!

Classic Pairings That Never Fail

• Garlic bread or rolls: Because dunking that crusty bread into cheesy sauce is half the fun. My kids fight over the crispy edges!
• Simple green salad: A crisp mix of romaine, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber with light vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
• Roasted veggies: Toss some broccoli or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic – the charred bits complement the creamy pasta beautifully.

Portion Perfection

This recipe makes about 8 generous servings – perfect for family dinner with leftovers (if you’re lucky!). For adults, I scoop about 1½ cups per plate. Kids usually do well with ¾ to 1 cup servings. Pro tip: Use an ice cream scoop for perfect portioning at potlucks!

Special Touch for Gatherings

When I’m serving this at parties, I love setting up a little toppings bar with bowls of:

• Extra crumbled bacon
• Chopped green onions
• Hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes
• Extra shredded cheese (because why not?)

It lets everyone customize their plate and makes the meal feel extra special. Oh, and don’t forget the napkins – things are about to get deliciously messy!

Storing and Reheating Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Let’s be real – leftovers might be the best part of making this Chicken Macaroni and Cheese! But there’s an art to keeping it creamy and delicious for round two (or three… no shame). Here’s exactly how I store and reheat ours so it tastes just-baked every time.

Storing Like a Pro

• Fridge storage: Cool completely (about 1 hour), then cover tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. It keeps beautifully for 3-4 days – though in my house, it never lasts that long!
• Freezer friendly: Portion into meal-sized containers or aluminum pans, wrap tightly in plastic wrap then foil (this prevents freezer burn). It’ll stay tasty for 2-3 months.

Reheating Without the Dryness

The key is adding moisture back in – here’s how I do it:

• Oven method (best for crispy top): Preheat to 350°F. Place refrigerated mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with a tablespoon of milk per cup, and cover with foil. Bake 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil, add extra cheese if you’re fancy, and broil 2 minutes!
• Microwave magic: For single servings, place in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 tsp milk per cup. Cover loosely and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each. Takes about 1½-2 minutes total.
• From frozen: Thaw overnight in fridge first, then reheat as above. In a pinch, bake frozen at 350°F covered for 45 minutes, then uncovered 15 minutes (add extra cheese topping halfway!).

My No-Fail Leftover Tips

• Revive with butter: Stir in a pat of butter when reheating – it brings back that fresh-baked richness.
• Crispy topping trick: Sprinkle crushed crackers or panko with melted butter before reheating for new crunch.
• Breakfast upgrade: Fry cold leftovers in a buttered skillet until crispy – top with a fried egg for the ultimate comfort breakfast!

See? With these tricks, your Chicken Macaroni and Cheese stays just as dreamy as day one. Honestly, I sometimes make a double batch just to enjoy those perfect leftovers!

Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Nutritional Information

Okay, let’s talk numbers, because even comfort food deserves a little nutritional transparency, right? Here’s the breakdown per serving (about 1½ cups), based on the ingredients I use. Keep in mind, these are estimates, your exact numbers might vary depending on specific brands or tweaks you make.

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g (thanks to all that chicken and cheese!)
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Sugar: 5g
• Fat: 22g (12g saturated, 8g unsaturated)
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Now, I know what you’re thinking, this isn’t exactly a salad. But here’s the thing: it’s comfort food, and sometimes that’s exactly what we need. Plus, it’s packed with protein and can easily be lightened up if you want. Use low-fat dairy or swap in turkey bacon, and you can shave off some of those calories and fat. But honestly? I say enjoy it as-is every once in a while, you deserve it!

Quick disclaimer: These numbers are based on standard ingredient measurements and brands. If you make substitutions (like using different cheeses or adding extra veggies), the nutritional profile will change slightly. Always check labels if you’re tracking closely!

FAQs About Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

More Creamy Comfort Recipes You’ll Love

If this cheesy pasta bake hit the spot, here are more creamy, comforting recipes to try next:

• Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
• Fajita Chicken Casserole
• Chicken Broccoli Pasta Casserole
• French Onion Casserole

Each one is rich, satisfying, and full of homestyle flavor, perfect for cozy nights or family dinners!

Cozy Up with a Bowl of Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

This Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender bites of seasoned chicken. It’s everything you love about mac and cheese, taken to the next level with added protein and bold flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks, this dish is always a hit at the table.

Every spoonful delivers the perfect balance of creamy sauce and gooey cheese, making it an instant favorite for both kids and adults. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become one of your go-to comfort meals!

If you make this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below and share how it turned out! Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest for more cozy, cheesy recipes you’ll love.

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