Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

This main course recipe for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese is more than just a meal; it’s an experience in heartwarming comfort food. Combining succulent chicken, fresh, vibrant broccoli florets, and a luscious, velvety cheese sauce, this dish is designed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. It takes a classic beloved meal and elevates it with added protein and vegetables, making it a balanced and incredibly delicious option for any evening.

A Perfect Family Dinner Idea

Finding a dinner that pleases everyone can be a challenge, but this chicken broccoli mac and cheese recipe consistently hits the mark. It’s a complete meal in one dish, reducing the need for multiple sides and simplifying your cooking routine. The rich flavors and creamy texture appeal to both adults and children, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend family gathering. Imagine gathering around the table to enjoy this steaming, cheesy goodness!

Enjoy This Hearty Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like a hearty comfort food dish to soothe the soul, and this recipe delivers on all fronts. Each forkful offers a delightful blend of tender pasta, savory chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a dreamy cheese sauce that wraps everything in a blanket of flavor. It’s perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a boost of delicious cheer. For another incredible comforting meal, consider making creamy chicken alfredo lasagna rolls, which also offer a wonderful blend of flavors and textures.

Gather Your Recipe Ingredients

Successful cooking starts with organized ingredient preparation. For this rich and creamy chicken broccoli mac and cheese, selecting fresh, high-quality components will truly make a difference in the final taste and texture. Having everything ready before you start cooking, known as mise en place, will streamline the process and make your cooking experience enjoyable and stress-free. Let’s ensure you have everything needed for this delightful macaroni and cheese creation.

Shopping List for Mac and Cheese

• Elbow macaroni or preferred pasta shape
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Fresh broccoli florets
• Bacon slices (thick-cut preferred)
• Butter (unsalted is best)
• All-purpose flour
• Milk (whole milk for creaminess)
• Chicken broth (optional, for added depth)
• Assorted cheeses (sharp cheddar, Gruyère, mozzarella are excellent choices)
• Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, a pinch of nutmeg
• Olive oil

Don’t be afraid to adjust the cheese blend to your liking; some people enjoy a sharper flavor, while others prefer milder varieties. The combination of different cheeses often yields the most complex and satisfying sauce. Freshly grated cheese will always melt smoother and taste better than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.

Fresh Produce and Protein Needed

The stars of this dish, besides the pasta, are undoubtedly the fresh produce and protein. Choose bright green, firm broccoli florets without any yellowing. For the chicken, opt for fresh, plump boneless, skinless breasts or thighs. Thighs tend to stay juicier, but breasts work beautifully if cooked correctly. The bacon should be good quality, as its rendered fat will contribute flavor to the sauce base. Ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature, especially the milk and cheese, for a smoother sauce consistency.

Cook Pasta and Broccoli Florets

Achieving the perfect texture for your pasta and broccoli is crucial for the overall success of this creamy chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese. Overcooked pasta can become mushy, while undercooked broccoli can be too tough. Careful timing and attention to detail will ensure both components are cooked to ideal tenderness, ready to be enveloped in the rich cheese sauce.

Boiling Pasta Until Tender

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Adding salt to the water is essential, as it seasons the pasta from the inside out, enhancing its flavor significantly. Once the water is boiling vigorously, add your macaroni or preferred pasta shape. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta according to package directions, but aim for al dente – meaning it should be tender yet still firm to the bite. Since the pasta will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot sauce and potentially baked, slightly undercooking it at this stage is preferable. Drain the pasta well, but do not rinse it, as the starch clinging to the pasta helps the sauce adhere better.

Adding Broccoli at Last Minutes

For vibrant, tender-crisp broccoli, it’s best to add it to the boiling pasta water during the last few minutes of the pasta’s cooking time. If your pasta takes 8-10 minutes, add the broccoli florets during the final 3-4 minutes. This method ensures the broccoli cooks quickly, retaining its bright green color and a slight crunch, which offers a lovely textural contrast to the soft pasta and creamy sauce. Once both are cooked, drain the pasta and broccoli together thoroughly and set aside. This careful cooking ensures that neither element is overdone, preserving their individual qualities within the finished dish.

Sauté Crispy Bacon Pieces

Bacon adds a fantastic layer of smoky, salty flavor and a delightful textural crunch to your chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese. The process of cooking it is straightforward, but paying attention to detail will ensure perfectly crispy results and a flavorful base for your sauce.

Cooking Bacon Until Golden

To cook bacon properly, start with a cold skillet. This allows the fat to render slowly and evenly, leading to crispier results. Place the bacon slices in a single layer in a large skillet over medium heat. As the pan heats up, the bacon fat will begin to melt and sizzle. Cook, turning the bacon occasionally, until it reaches your desired level of crispiness and turns a beautiful golden-brown color. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your bacon. Be patient, as rushing the process can lead to burnt or unevenly cooked bacon. This crispy element is vital for the overall enjoyment of the dish, adding a much-needed texture alongside the creamy components. You can also incorporate bacon into other delicious meals like this chicken bacon ranch tater tot casserole.

Draining Excess Fat Well

Once the bacon is perfectly crispy, carefully remove the pieces from the skillet using tongs or a slotted spoon. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess fat. This step is crucial for two reasons: it keeps the bacon from becoming greasy, preserving its crisp texture, and it allows you to control the amount of bacon fat you use for the next step, which is sautéing the chicken and later building the roux. While some bacon fat is wonderful for flavor, too much can make the dish oily. Once cooled, you can crumble the bacon into smaller pieces, ready to be folded into the macaroni and cheese or used as a garnish.

Season and Cook Chicken Dices

Properly seasoned and cooked chicken is a cornerstone of this creamy chicken mac and cheese. The goal is to achieve tender, flavorful pieces that meld seamlessly with the other ingredients without becoming dry or bland. Careful preparation at this stage ensures every bite is packed with savory goodness.

Browning Chicken Until Done

After you’ve cooked and removed the bacon, you’ll have flavorful rendered fat remaining in the skillet. This is an excellent base for cooking the chicken. If there’s too much fat, drain some off, leaving just a tablespoon or two. Dice your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into 1/2-inch to 3/4-inch pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of onion powder. These spices will infuse the chicken with a wonderful aroma and taste. Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan, which could cause the chicken to steam instead of brown. Cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown on all sides and cooked through. It should no longer be pink in the center.

Removing Cooked Chicken

Once the chicken dices are thoroughly cooked and beautifully browned, remove them from the skillet. Transfer the cooked chicken to a clean plate or bowl and set it aside. This step prevents the chicken from overcooking and becoming tough while you prepare the cheese sauce. Any remaining drippings and browned bits in the pan are a treasure trove of flavor; these will form the foundation for your rich and savory cheese sauce. You can now move on to creating the star of the dish—the unbelievably creamy sauce that brings all these delicious elements together.

Secrets to Creamy Macaroni Cheese Sauce

The heart of any exceptional macaroni and cheese lies in its sauce. Achieving a sauce that is velvety, smooth, and bursting with cheesy flavor is an art, but one that is easily mastered with a few key techniques. This section will walk you through building a flawless sauce that is the perfect complement to your chicken and broccoli.

Building the Flavorful Roux Base

A roux is the secret to a thick, stable, and creamy sauce. Start by melting butter in the same skillet you used for the bacon and chicken (after removing the chicken). The browned bits will add immense flavor. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, sprinkle in an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes over medium heat. This step is crucial; cooking the flour paste, known as a roux, removes the raw flour taste and helps to prevent a lumpy sauce. Once the roux is lightly golden and fragrant, gradually whisk in cold milk and a splash of chicken broth. Adding cold liquid to a hot roux prevents lumps from forming. Continue whisking as the mixture thickens, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a tiny dash of nutmeg, which surprisingly enhances the cheesy flavor without being overpowering.

Melting Cheeses Until Smooth

Once your roux-based béchamel sauce has thickened, it’s time for the star ingredient: cheese! Reduce the heat to low to prevent the sauce from boiling, which can cause the cheese to separate or become grainy. Add your freshly grated cheeses – a blend of sharp cheddar for tang, Gruyère for nuttiness, and mozzarella for stretchiness works beautifully. Stir continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon until all the cheese has melted into a perfectly smooth, homogenous sauce. Avoid adding all the cheese at once; incorporate it in handfuls, allowing each batch to melt before adding more. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash more warm milk until it reaches your desired consistency. This rich, smooth, and flavorful sauce is now ready to coat your pasta, chicken, and broccoli, ensuring every bite of your homemade comfort food is truly sensational.

Combine All Ingredients Together

With all your individual components perfectly prepared – the tender pasta and broccoli, crispy bacon, savory chicken, and luscious cheese sauce – the final step is to bring them all together. This assembly is where the magic truly happens, transforming separate ingredients into one harmonious, creamy chicken mac and cheese dish.

Add Pasta, Chicken, Bacon

Carefully add the drained cooked pasta and broccoli to the large skillet containing your warm, creamy cheese sauce. Next, gently fold in the seasoned and cooked chicken dices. Then, scatter most of the crispy crumbled bacon into the mixture, reserving a small amount for garnish if desired. It’s important to be gentle when combining these ingredients to ensure the pasta doesn’t break apart and the broccoli retains its shape. The warmth from the sauce will further soften the pasta and broccoli slightly, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully.

Toss Everything in Sauce

Using a large spoon or spatula, gently toss and fold all the ingredients together until every piece of pasta, chicken, and broccoli is thoroughly coated in the rich, velvety cheese sauce. Take your time to ensure an even distribution of all components throughout the dish. This ensures that every spoonful delivers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Once everything is well combined and glistening with the cheesy sauce, the dish is ready for serving or for its final touch – adding a crispy topping and baking to golden perfection. The aroma filling your kitchen right now is a testament to the deliciousness that awaits you!

Serving Chicken Broccoli Macaroni Dish

The moment of truth arrives when your creamy chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese is ready to be served. This dish is truly a feast for the senses, offering warmth, richness, and a comforting aroma that invites everyone to the table. Proper presentation and thoughtful garnishes can elevate the dining experience even further.

Enjoy This Dish Warm

This mac and cheese is best enjoyed immediately after it’s prepared or shortly after being baked. The cheese sauce is at its creamiest, and the flavors are at their peak when warm. Serve generous portions in bowls or on plates, ensuring everyone gets a good mix of pasta, chicken, and broccoli. For visual inspiration and other serving ideas, check out Carina Recipes on Pinterest. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a fresh counterpoint to the richness of the macaroni and cheese, or a piece of crusty bread can be perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Garnish with Extra Bacon

To add a final flourish and an extra layer of flavor and texture, garnish each serving with a sprinkle of the reserved crispy bacon pieces. The contrast between the creamy sauce and the crunchy, salty bacon is absolutely delightful. You could also add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A twist of freshly ground black pepper can also enhance the overall taste. These small touches not only make the dish more appealing visually but also enhance the sensory experience, making this hearty comfort food even more memorable for your family and guests.

Tips to Make Macaroni and Cheese

Making a truly exceptional creamy chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese involves more than just following steps; it’s about understanding the nuances that elevate a good dish to a great one. These tips will help you perfect your technique and ensure your macaroni and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser.

Adjust Seasoning for Taste

One of the most important aspects of cooking is tasting and adjusting as you go. Before adding the pasta and other ingredients to the cheese sauce, taste the sauce. Does it need more salt? A pinch more pepper? Perhaps a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick, or a spoonful of Dijon mustard to deepen the cheesy flavor? Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices like smoked paprika or a tiny bit of cayenne pepper to complement the chicken and bacon. The goal is a balanced flavor profile that sings on your palate. Every batch of cheese and milk can vary slightly, so your taste buds are the best judge. You can also explore different cheese blends; for example, adding some smoked gouda can introduce a wonderful depth of flavor. For more mac and cheese mastery, check out our creamy baked mac and cheese recipe.

Keeping Sauce Smooth and Rich

A smooth, rich sauce is the hallmark of great macaroni and cheese. To ensure your sauce remains lump-free and luscious, always add cold milk to a hot roux while whisking constantly. This temperature difference prevents the flour from clumping. When adding the cheese, remove the sauce from direct high heat or reduce the heat to very low. High heat can cause cheese to separate, resulting in an oily or grainy texture. Add cheese gradually, stirring until each addition is fully melted before adding more. If your sauce becomes too thick, a splash of warm milk or chicken broth can help thin it out to the perfect consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, a quick slurry of cornstarch mixed with a little cold water can be whisked in and simmered gently until thickened. For visual cooking tips and recipe inspiration, follow Carina Recipes on Instagram.

Add a Crispy Topping

While the creamy chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese is delicious on its own, adding a crispy topping provides a wonderful textural contrast that elevates the dish to another level. A golden, crunchy crust adds visual appeal and a satisfying bite to every spoonful, making it truly irresistible.

Broil for Golden Finish

After combining all the ingredients and transferring them to a baking dish, you can opt to bake it covered for a period to allow flavors to meld, and then uncover for the final crisping. To achieve a perfect golden-brown finish, pop the dish under the broiler for just a few minutes. Keep a very close eye on it, as broilers can quickly go from golden to burnt. Position the oven rack about 6-8 inches from the heat source. The high heat of the broiler will rapidly toast the topping, creating a beautiful crust. This step adds a professional touch to your homemade comfort food, enticing everyone with its appealing crackle and color.

Using Breadcrumbs or Extra Cheese

There are several fantastic options for creating a crispy topping. A classic choice is breadcrumbs, especially panko breadcrumbs, which are larger and create a lighter, crispier texture. You can toss the breadcrumbs with a little melted butter and a pinch of garlic powder before sprinkling them over the mac and cheese for extra flavor. Another popular option is to simply sprinkle extra shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Parmesan, over the top before broiling. This melts into a delightful, slightly browned crust. Some prefer a mix of both: a layer of breadcrumbs topped with a sprinkle of cheese. Whichever you choose, ensure an even layer across the surface of the dish for consistent crispiness. This final touch makes the dish not just a meal, but a culinary delight, perfect for a cozy cheesy chicken and rice casserole night or any special occasion.

Storing Leftovers Safely

Leftover creamy chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese can be just as delightful as the fresh dish, especially when stored and reheated correctly. Taking proper steps ensures food safety and maintains the quality of your comfort food, allowing you to enjoy it for days to come.

How to Reheat Mac and Cheese

To store, allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate promptly within two hours of cooking. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, the key is to restore its creamy texture, as cheese sauces can sometimes seize up or become dry in the fridge. For individual portions, the microwave works well: place a serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk (about a tablespoon per cup of mac and cheese), cover, and heat on medium power, stirring every minute or so until heated through and creamy again. For larger portions, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding splashes of milk as needed and stirring frequently. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven: place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, add a bit of milk, cover with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes if you desire a slightly crispy top again.

Nutrition Facts for This Recipe

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can help you make informed dietary choices. While this creamy chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese is undeniably a comforting and hearty dish, being aware of its general nutritional profile allows you to appreciate it within a balanced diet or make adjustments as needed.

Understanding Calorie Information

The exact nutrition facts for this recipe will vary significantly based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Factors such as the type of pasta (regular vs. whole wheat), the fat content of the milk and cheese, the amount of bacon, and whether you use chicken breasts or thighs will all influence the final calorie, fat, and protein counts. Generally, a serving of creamy chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese can be relatively high in calories, fat (especially saturated fat from cheese and bacon), and protein. It also provides carbohydrates from the pasta and beneficial vitamins and fiber from the broccoli.

For a rough estimate, a typical serving might range from 450 to 700 calories, with varying amounts of protein (around 25-40g), fat (around 25-45g), and carbohydrates (around 40-60g). To make this dish a bit lighter, consider using whole wheat pasta, lean chicken breast, reduced-fat milk, and a combination of full-fat and reduced-fat cheeses. Increasing the proportion of broccoli can also boost fiber and nutrient content while slightly lowering calorie density. Always check the labels of your specific ingredients for the most accurate information. Enjoy this comforting meal in moderation as part of a varied and healthy eating plan.