If you love mac and cheese (and let’s be honest who doesn’t?), then get ready to fall hard for this chicken bacon mac and cheese. It takes everything we love about classic mac: creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and comforting warmth and dials it up with smoky bacon and juicy shredded chicken.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, prepping for a potluck, or just craving the ultimate comfort food, this dish delivers big time flavor with minimal fuss. It’s rich, creamy, hearty, and most importantly impossibly satisfying.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What makes this dish so irresistible
- Exactly what ingredients you’ll need
- Chef Lucas Benette’s tips for the perfect cheese sauce and crispy bacon
- How to make it (baked or stovetop)
- Simple ways to customize with cheese, pasta, or protein swaps
- FAQs about prep, storage, and reheating
What Makes This Mac and Cheese So Irresistible?
The combo of chicken, bacon, and cheese isn’t just popular it’s a proven flavor powerhouse. Here’s why this recipe is a guaranteed hit:
- Creamy cheese sauce coats every bite
- Crispy bacon adds saltiness and crunch
- Chicken makes it more filling and adds protein
- Golden baked topping (optional) takes it over the top
It’s comfort food, weeknight hero, and party favorite all rolled into one creamy, cheesy casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This chicken bacon mac and cheese comes together with just a few pantry and fridge staples and the result is an ultra comforting dish that tastes like you spent hours on it.
Main Ingredients (Serves 4-6)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni (or shells, penne, or cavatappi)
These shapes hold onto the cheese sauce best. - 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
Rotisserie chicken is a great time saver. Grilled, poached, or leftover chicken breast also works. - 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cook until crisp, then chop or crumble. Save 1-2 slices for topping! - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
A sharp cheddar gives the dish a bold, classic flavor. - 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella
Adds creaminess and meltability. - 2 tablespoons butter
For the roux (base of the cheese sauce). - 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
Helps thicken the sauce. - 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
Warmer milk blends more smoothly into the roux. - ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Boosts the savory flavor. - Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Extra cheese for broiling
- Breadcrumbs for a crispy baked crust
- Chopped parsley for freshness
Shortcut Tip: If you’re short on time, use store bought cheese sauce and just stir in cooked pasta, chicken, and bacon then bake or broil for 5-10 minutes.
Chef Lucas Benette’s Pro Tip for Creamy, Crispy Perfection
To make the best chicken bacon mac and cheese, it’s not just about the ingredients it’s all in the technique. Chef Lucas Benette shares his favorite ways to make every bite creamy, crispy, and bursting with flavor.
“The key is to build flavor in layers start with a velvety cheese sauce, use real bacon for crunch, and finish it in the oven for that golden top,” Lucas says.
1. Cook the Bacon First (and Save the Drippings)
Start with cold bacon in a skillet, cook on medium low heat until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel to drain.
Save 1 tablespoon of bacon fat and use it in the cheese sauce for an extra boost of smoky flavor.
2. Use Two Cheeses
Lucas recommends combining:
- Sharp cheddar for flavor
- Monterey Jack or mozzarella for creaminess
“Always shred your cheese fresh pre shredded cheese can make sauces grainy due to added anti caking agents.”
3. Make a Simple Roux for a Smooth Sauce
Melt butter (or bacon fat), whisk in flour, and slowly stir in warm milk to avoid lumps. Then melt in cheese a handful at a time. Stir until silky.
4. Bake with a Topping, or Broil for Crunch
If you like that golden finish, sprinkle the top with:
- Extra cheese
- Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs
Then bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes, or broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and browned.
Chef’s Tip: If making ahead, keep the cheese sauce slightly looser it will thicken when baked or reheated.
How to Make Chicken Bacon Mac and Cheese (Step by Step)
This recipe comes together in under an hour and is easy enough for weeknights but delicious enough to impress guests or satisfy a comfort food craving.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil 8 oz of macaroni (or pasta of choice) in salted water according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
- In a skillet, cook 6 slices of bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Transfer to a paper towel lined plate and crumble once cool.
- Optional: Save 1 tbsp of bacon fat to use in the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter (or reserved bacon fat) over medium heat.
- Whisk in 2 tbsp flour to make a roux; cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in 2 cups warm milk, stirring until smooth and thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add ½ tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar + Jack combo). Stir until fully melted.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add 2 cups shredded cooked chicken, the cooked pasta, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce.
- Stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Choose Your Finish
Stovetop Version (Quickest)
- Let the mixture sit for 3–5 minutes on low heat to thicken slightly.
- Top with remaining bacon and serve warm.
Baked Version (Golden & Crispy)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining bacon, extra shredded cheese, and optional breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serving suggestion: Pair with a green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness.
Cheese, Pasta & Protein Swap Table
One of the best things about chicken bacon mac and cheese is how easily you can mix it up based on what you have in the fridge or the flavor vibe you’re going for.
Whether you’re looking for a creamier sauce, a different texture, or a new protein, these simple swaps will help you keep it fresh every time you make it.
Mac and Cheese Variations Cheat Sheet
| Ingredient | Swap Option | Why Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni | Shells, penne, cavatappi | Different shapes hold sauce in fun ways |
| Shredded chicken | Rotisserie, grilled, or pulled chicken thighs | Adds flavor variety or saves time |
| Bacon | Turkey bacon, pancetta, or plant based bacon | Lighter or dietary friendly option |
| Cheddar + Monterey Jack | Gouda, mozzarella, pepper jack, Colby | Try new flavors or adjust spice level |
| Milk + roux base | Heavy cream, half and half, or evaporated milk | For a richer or faster sauce |
Want a smoky twist? Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Want more nutrients? Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach before baking.
FAQs About Chicken Bacon Mac and Cheese
1. How long can chicken mac and cheese sit out?
Cooked chicken mac and cheese should not sit out at room temperature for more than 2 hours. After that, bacteria can begin to grow quickly. If the room is warm (above 90°F), refrigerate within 1 hour. Always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to keep them fresh and safe to eat.
2. What not to do when making mac and cheese?
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Using pre shredded cheese, which may not melt smoothly
- Skipping the roux (flour + butter), which helps the sauce thicken
- Overcooking the pasta, which can make it mushy after baking
- Not seasoning the sauce a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder goes a long way
Tip: Also avoid baking too long uncovered, which can dry out the cheese sauce.
3. How long is bacon mac and cheese good for in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, bacon mac and cheese will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
4. Is chicken bacon pre cooked?
Most store bought chicken bacon comes pre cooked or partially cooked, but always check the package instructions. If it’s pre cooked, you only need to crisp it in a pan for a few minutes. If it’s raw, cook it thoroughly until golden and crispy before adding it to the mac and cheese.
Final Thoughts The Mac and Cheese Everyone Will Ask For Again
Whether it’s a busy weeknight, game day, or just a night when you want something warm and satisfying, chicken bacon mac and cheese delivers the goods. It’s:
- Easy to make
- Packed with bold, smoky flavor
- Ultra creamy and cheesy
- Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or next day leftovers
Just grab your favorite pasta, crisp some bacon, and make the dish everyone will be asking for again and again.
