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!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 2

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.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture for 3-4 minutes, or until thickened.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and the cheese sauce. Mix well to coat everything evenly.

Step 7

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer.

Step 8

In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil (or melted butter). Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the macaroni and chicken.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

Step 10

Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1815 grams (1815.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3659

Total Fat 168.80g	216%
Saturated Fat 91.10g	456%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.30g
Cholesterol 825mg	275%
Sodium 4859mg	211%
Total Carbohydrate 251.40g	91%
Dietary Fiber 11.40g	41%
Total Sugars 35.80g
Protein 276.60g	553%

Vitamin D 215IU	1074%
Calcium 2884mg	222%
Iron 17mg	96%
Potassium 2413mg	51%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 41.8%

Protein: 30.5%

Carbs: 27.7%