Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken

This broccoli cheddar mac and cheese with chicken is the ultimate all-in-one comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and nutritious broccoli. It’s a hearty and satisfying dish that brings together everything you love about mac and cheese, with a protein and veggie boost that turns it into a full meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this mac and cheese because it’s creamy, cozy, and comes together in just one pot or baking dish. It’s kid-friendly, adult-approved, and perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead lunches. The addition of broccoli and chicken makes it a balanced meal, and the cheddar cheese sauce delivers that rich, melty texture you crave.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, rotisserie works great)
• Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk (whole milk or 2% recommended)
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional: cream cheese or heavy cream for added richness
• Optional toppings: extra shredded cheese, breadcrumbs

directions

1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
3. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth. Let simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese (and cream cheese if using). Stir until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the sauce. Stir to coat everything evenly.
7. Optional: transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese or breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden and bubbly.
8. Serve warm and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6

Variations

• Bacon boost: Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.
• Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives.
• Lighter version: Use low-fat milk and reduce the cheese slightly.
• Extra veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for more color and nutrition.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. This dish also freezes well—cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken makes this recipe even easier.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. Just thaw it first or add it directly to the pasta water during the last few minutes of boiling.

What’s the best cheese to use?

Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or gouda.

Is this baked or stovetop?

It can be either! The base recipe is stovetop, but you can bake it for extra texture and golden topping.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, assemble everything, refrigerate, and reheat when ready to serve. You can also freeze it for later.

Can I use other pasta shapes?

Yes, penne, rotini, or shells all work well and hold the sauce nicely.

How do I keep the cheese sauce smooth?

Use freshly shredded cheese (not pre-shredded), and melt it slowly over low heat to avoid clumping.

Can I make this without flour?

Yes, skip the roux and stir in cream cheese or use a cornstarch slurry for thickening.

Is this kid-friendly?

Very much so—cheesy, mild, and familiar. You can adjust broccoli size for picky eaters.

What’s a good side dish for this?

It’s a full meal, but a side salad, garlic bread, or fruit cup pairs nicely.

Conclusion

Broccoli cheddar mac and cheese with chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that checks every box—easy, filling, and family-friendly. With protein, veggies, and pasta all in one pan, it’s a go-to meal for busy nights and cozy weekends alike. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular in your recipe rotation.

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