Chicken and cheese are made for each other in the ultimate comfort food — easy chicken mac and cheese. Top with crispy breadcrumbs for the perfect finish!

Photography Credit: Nick Evans

As I’ve grown as a home cook, prioritizing flexibility in recipes is something I’ve learned to truly cherish. Especially now that I’m a busy parent, I find myself asking a series of questions any time I approach a recipe:

Can I substitute leftovers for an ingredient in a recipe I want to make? Can I serve this meal in a variety of ways? Is it doable to make this on a weeknight, or can I change it a bit to make it special for a weekend dinner party?

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When it comes to this Easy Chicken Mac and Cheese, the answer to all of those questions is “yes!”

We make this recipe frequently at my house because it’s so flexible and delicious. My kiddos like it right out of the pot—it’s so creamy and cheesy!

Meanwhile, my wife and I usually like it dressed up a bit, either by adding a handful of crispy breadcrumbs as a topper over each bowl for a little texture, or by mixing in some roasted veggies.

The leftovers also reheat well. Add a splash of milk and heat it in a pan over low heat until it’s melted and creamy again, or microwave to reheat.

What to Serve on the Side!