Chick fil A Mac and Cheese: Irresistible 5-Step Copycat

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If you’ve ever found yourself thinking about Chick fil A Mac and Cheese at an unreasonable hour (like… 9:47 PM, when you should be folding laundry), you’re in the right place. This is that creamy, cozy, “just one more bite” kind of comfort food—made at home with simple ingredients and zero drive-thru lines.

And the best part? It’s totally doable on a weeknight. No chef hat required. Just a pot, a whisk, and the willingness to taste-test the cheese sauce (for quality control, obviously).

Why You’ll Love This Chick fil A Mac and Cheese

Creamy + melty in all the right ways (thanks, cheddar + Monterey Jack).
Family-friendly and picky-eater approved—aka a rare kitchen miracle.
Comfort-food energy without complicated steps.
Optional baked top if you want that golden, bubbly finish that screams “I tried today.”

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll grab for this Chick fil A Mac and Cheese copycat vibe:

Elbow macaroni (classic mac shape = best sauce cling)
Sharp cheddar cheese (for that bold, tangy bite)
Monterey Jack cheese (hello, creamy melt)
Whole milk (this is not the time for skim—skim is for cereal guilt)
Butter (richness and flavor starter)
All-purpose flour (to thicken the sauce)
Salt and pepper (simple, but powerful)

Tip from my kitchen: shred your cheese yourself if you can. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but fresh-shredded melts smoother and feels extra “restaurant-y” with basically no extra effort.

Refer to the recipe card below for exact ingredient measurements and full nutritional information.

How To Make Chick fil A Mac and Cheese

1) Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (tender, but not mushy). Drain and set aside.

Tiny secret: Don’t overcook the pasta—mac and cheese gets sad fast when the noodles are too soft.

2) Make the Roux (Sauce Starter)

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Stir in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it turns slightly golden.

This step is what gives your sauce that smooth, thick, “hug in a bowl” texture.

3) Add Milk Gradually

Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, to avoid lumps. Keep whisking and cooking until it thickens—about 5–7 minutes—and coats the back of a spoon.

If it looks thin at first, don’t panic. It’s just warming up and finding itself.

4) Melt in the Cheeses

Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack until fully melted and silky. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Taste it. Then taste it again. This is not over-snacking—it’s responsible cooking.

5) Combine Pasta + Sauce

Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every noodle is coated like it won the lottery.

At this point you can serve it right away, or go for the baked finish…

Optional: Bake for That Golden Top

If you want that Chick fil A Mac and Cheese “bubbly and a little browned on top” energy:

Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, until hot and golden.

Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in—unless you enjoy the “lava mouth” experience. (No judgment. I’ve been there.)

My Best Tips for Creamy, Dreamy Results

Use whole milk. This sauce needs richness to taste like the real deal.
Warm the milk slightly (even 20–30 seconds in the microwave helps) so the sauce thickens faster and smoother.
Don’t crank the heat once the cheese goes in—high heat can make cheese grainy.
Season at the end. Cheddar can be salty, so taste first, salt second.

And if your sauce looks a little thick? Congrats—you’ve basically made “extra comfort.” Add a splash of milk and stir until it loosens up.

A Little Real-Life Story From My Kitchen

This recipe became my go-to during one of those weeks where everything felt like a never-ending to-do list: work, errands, dinner, repeat. I needed something cozy that didn’t require my brain to do math after 6 PM.

I made this Chick fil A Mac and Cheese at home, put it on the table, and watched everyone quiet down in that magical way that only cheesy pasta can accomplish. It wasn’t fancy. It was just… comfort. And honestly, that’s the kind of win I’ll take any day.

Chick fil A Mac and Cheese copycat served creamy and extra cheesy, with a golden baked top and herb garnish on a white plate. — This Chick fil A Mac and Cheese is creamy, melty, and baked until golden—pure comfort in every bite.

FAQs About Chick fil A Mac and Cheese

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Elbows are classic, but shells or cavatappi work great too—anything that grabs sauce well.

How do I store leftovers?

Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for 3–4 days.

What’s the best way to reheat mac and cheese?

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk. Stir halfway through so it stays creamy.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely. Make it, cool it, refrigerate, then bake at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk before reheating if it seems thick.

The Cheesiest Way to Make Everyone Happy

If you want comfort food that feels like a treat but fits into real life, this Chick fil A Mac and Cheese is it. Creamy sauce, melty cheese pulls, and that cozy, familiar flavor that makes people hover around the kitchen like it’s a magnet.

Make it once, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your “just in case we need joy” dinner. Because sometimes the day is hard… and the answer is mac and cheese. Especially Chick fil A Mac and Cheese made right at home.

Keep the Comfort Going (You’ll Love These Too)

If this Chick fil A Mac and Cheese just made dinner feel like a warm, cheesy hug, don’t stop here—these cozy favorites are perfect for your next “feed everyone without losing my mind” kind of night:

If you try this recipe (or any of these), I’d truly love to hear how it went—scroll down and leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ star review so other home cooks can find their new favorite, too!