Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken Recipe

This Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food mashup—creamy, cheesy, cozy, and loaded with protein and veggies. It’s everything you love about classic mac and cheese, taken up a notch with tender chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli stirred right in. Even better? It’s all made in one pot and ready in under 40 minutes, making it the ideal meal for hectic weeknights or lazy evenings when you just want something soul-satisfying without a pile of dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Weeknight Hero: One pot, minimal prep, and totally fuss-free. It’s a meal you can throw together without breaking a sweat.
• Flavor-Packed: Rich cheddar cheese, tender chicken, and sweet, slightly crisp broccoli—each bite is comforting and full of flavor.
• Family-Friendly: This one’s a crowd-pleaser, even for picky eaters. Kids love the cheesy pasta, and you’ll love that there’s a vegetable hiding in every scoop.
• Customizable: Whether you’re working with leftovers or pantry staples, it’s easy to switch things up and still end up with something delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to pull off this cheesy dream of a dinner:

• Pasta: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice, but shells, rotini, or any short pasta will soak up the cheese sauce beautifully.
• Chicken: Cooked, shredded or cubed chicken—leftover rotisserie works perfectly and saves loads of time.
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen florets. If using frozen, thaw first to avoid watering down the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar—it melts well and brings that punchy, tangy flavor you want in mac and cheese.
• Milk: Whole milk adds creaminess, but 2% works fine too. Avoid non-dairy unless it’s a creamy alternative.
• Butter and Flour: The base for your roux, which thickens the cheese sauce to silky perfection.
• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Adds depth and a little savory kick without the need for chopping.
• Salt and Pepper: Adjust to taste—don’t skip the pepper; it brightens the cheesy richness.
• Mustard Powder (optional): Just a pinch enhances the cheese flavor and adds a tiny zip.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try one of these tasty twists:

• Spicy Kick: Stir in a little cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce for some heat.
• Extra Veggies: Add peas, diced bell peppers, or spinach for more color and nutrition.
• Different Cheese: Mix in some mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a bit of gouda or gruyère for a gourmet twist.
• No Chicken? No Problem: Leave it out for a vegetarian version or sub in chickpeas for protein.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions. In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until golden. Slowly whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Let it simmer until it thickens slightly.

Step 3: Add the Cheese and Seasonings

Remove the pot from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until fully melted. Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust as needed.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Stir the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken into the cheese sauce. Mix well until everything is coated in that luscious, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Serve Warm

Spoon into bowls and enjoy immediately, or transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for a crispy top.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly due to anti-caking agents. Freshly grated cheddar will give you that ultra-creamy finish.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: You want it bright green and just tender—it adds texture and keeps the dish from feeling too heavy.
• Add Liquid Gradually: When making the roux, slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
• Use Leftovers Wisely: This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover cooked chicken or veggies from another meal.

How to Serve

This Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken is a meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round things out:

Garnishes:

Sprinkle with a little extra shredded cheese, cracked black pepper, or even a handful of crispy breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Sides:

Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce.

Protein Boost:

Serve alongside grilled sausages or baked tofu if you’re stretching the meal for more people.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully for lunches!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but the texture may be slightly less creamy after thawing. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the roux with a gluten-free all-purpose blend or cornstarch. Keep an eye on cook times as GF pasta can vary.

Can I make it ahead of time for a party or potluck?
Yes! Assemble everything (including the cheese sauce), transfer to a baking dish, cover, and refrigerate. Before serving, sprinkle with cheese and bake at 350°F until bubbly.

What’s the best kind of chicken to use?
Cooked rotisserie chicken is the quickest option, but you can also use grilled, baked, or poached chicken. Just make sure it’s seasoned lightly so it doesn’t overpower the dish.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Totally fine! Thaw it first and pat dry to avoid excess water in the sauce. You can also steam it separately if you prefer more control over the texture.

Final Thoughts

This Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed dinner dream that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s everything you want in a one-pot meal—comforting, hearty, and wildly satisfying. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a weekly staple in your kitchen!

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