Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food mash-up—creamy, cheesy macaroni combined with tender chicken and fresh broccoli florets. It’s a satisfying, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With rich cheddar cheese and a cozy texture, this dish brings together everything you love in a hearty casserole-style pasta.

ingredients

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

elbow macaroni
boneless, skinless chicken breast
fresh broccoli florets
sharp cheddar cheese
milk
heavy cream
butter
all-purpose flour
garlic powder
onion powder
salt
black pepper
olive oil

directions

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Steam or blanch the broccoli florets until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.

In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from heat and cut into bite-sized pieces.

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.

Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.

Reduce the heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.

Add the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the cheese sauce. Mix until everything is well coated.

Transfer the mixture to a baking dish if desired and broil for 2-3 minutes for a golden cheesy top, or serve directly from the pan.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken for rotisserie chicken to save time.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary preferences.
Stir in cooked bacon for added flavor.
Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crispy crust.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
For freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain before adding to the dish to avoid excess moisture.

What cheese works best for this recipe?
Sharp cheddar is ideal, but you can also mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a creamier texture.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, assemble everything and store in the fridge. Reheat before serving or bake with a topping.

Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely, kids love the creamy cheese and pasta combo—especially with the added protein.

Can I skip the chicken?
Sure! It still makes a delicious vegetarian meal without the chicken.

Conclusion

Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and wholesome dish that checks all the boxes—comfort, nutrition, and flavor. Perfect for cozy nights or busy weeks, this one-pot meal is sure to become a go-to favorite for the whole family.