Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken

Creamy cheese sauce envelops tender pasta, juicy chicken, and bright green broccoli in this soul-satisfying one-pot wonder. The velvety cheddar sauce clings perfectly to every piece of elbow macaroni, creating that irresistible rich mouthfeel that defines exceptional mac and cheese. This hearty dish transforms traditional comfort food into a complete meal by incorporating protein and vegetables without sacrificing an ounce of that classic cheesy goodness.

Last week I made this for my sister's family during a weekend visit, and my picky 7-year-old nephew not only cleaned his plate but asked for seconds. Something about the combination of familiar mac and cheese with the additions of chicken and broccoli seems to make vegetables suddenly acceptable even to the most discerning young palates.

Essential Components

• Elbow Macaroni: Traditional curved shape captures sauce perfectly in each ridged pocket. Choose medium-sized elbows with ridges for optimal sauce adhesion and satisfying texture.
• Chicken: Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken provides exceptional flavor and convenient preparation. Look for well-seasoned birds without excessive sodium or artificial ingredients.
• Broccoli Florets: Adds vibrant color, nutritional value, and slight textural contrast. Select bright green heads with tight, firm florets for best flavor and nutrient content.
• Butter: Creates the foundation for the roux that thickens your sauce. European-style butter with higher fat content produces a silkier, more flavorful result.
• All-Purpose Flour: Works with butter to form the thickening roux for your cheese sauce. Organic unbleached varieties provide clean flavor without chemical processing.
• Milk: Provides the creamy base for your cheese sauce. Whole milk creates optimal richness, but 2% works well for a slightly lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers that classic sharp, tangy flavor profile. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties coated with anti-caking agents.
• Aromatic Seasonings: Garlic powder and onion powder add depth without overwhelming the dish. Always use fresh, fragrant dried seasonings for best results.

Cooking Method

Pasta Perfection:

Cook elbow macaroni in generously salted water until just shy of al dente, as it will continue cooking when combined with the sauce. Add broccoli florets during the final two minutes to blanch them perfectly without creating a separate pot to wash.

Creating Liquid Gold:

Melt butter completely in a heavy-bottomed pot before sprinkling flour evenly across the surface. Whisk continuously while cooking this mixture for a full two minutes, which eliminates raw flour taste while developing nutty, toasted notes that enhance your final sauce.

Sauce Development:

Pour milk in a slow, steady stream while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps from forming in your sauce base. Allow this mixture to simmer gently until it coats the back of a spoon, indicating it has reached the perfect consistency to suspend your cheese.

Cheese Integration:

Remove pot from direct heat before adding shredded cheddar in small handfuls, stirring between additions to ensure smooth melting. This gradual approach prevents the proteins in the cheese from seizing and creating a grainy texture.

Component Combination:

Fold cooked pasta, blanched broccoli, and prepared chicken into your cheese sauce with gentle motions that coat every piece while maintaining the integrity of each component. Continue folding until everything is evenly distributed and gloriously sauced.

Optional Enhancement:

For an elevated presentation and additional textural contrast, transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish, top with additional cheese and crispy breadcrumbs, then broil briefly until golden and bubbling around the edges.

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My family has always added vegetables to our mac and cheese, a tradition started by my grandmother who believed in making every dish work harder nutritionally. I remember helping her tear broccoli into tiny 'trees' as a child, fascinated by how they turned bright green when blanched. Now my own children continue this ritual, understanding that comfort food can still deliver good nutrition when thoughtfully prepared.

Serving Inspiration

This crowd-pleasing dish creates beautiful harmony with simple accompaniments like garlic bread or a crisp green salad. The richness of the cheese sauce benefits from the bright contrast of lemon-dressed greens or a side of tangy pickled vegetables. For casual gatherings, serve directly from the stovetop pot for family-style charm, or transfer to a decorative baking dish for more formal presentations.

Flavorful Twists

This versatile recipe welcomes numerous adaptations without losing its comfort food essence. Incorporate smoky flavors with crispy bacon bits or diced ham for additional savory notes. For heat-seekers, a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce creates pleasant warmth throughout the dish. Experiment with cheese combinations—sharp white cheddar, smooth fontina, or tangy gouda all bring their unique characteristics to this adaptable template.

Keeping It Fresh

Refrigerate leftovers promptly in shallow, airtight containers for maximum freshness and food safety. This delicious creation maintains its quality for up to four days when properly stored. When reheating, add a splash of milk and warm gently over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to restore the sauce's creamy consistency. For busy weeks, portion completely cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers for convenient future meals.

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After countless iterations of mac and cheese throughout my cooking journey, this broccoli cheddar version with chicken represents the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition. The combination of sharp cheese, tender vegetables, and savory protein creates a deeply satisfying meal that nourishes both body and soul. While mac and cheese will always remain a beloved classic, this enriched version elevates it from side dish to spectacular main course worthy of any table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe and saves tons of time. Just shred or dice about 2 cups and add it in at the end to warm through.

→ How do I prevent my cheese sauce from getting grainy?

The key is to remove the pot from heat before adding the cheese, and add it gradually while stirring constantly. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make sauce grainy, so freshly grated cheese works best.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make this dish completely and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and heat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

This recipe is very adaptable! Try adding peas, cauliflower, spinach, bell peppers, or even diced carrots. Just adjust cooking times accordingly - hardy vegetables need longer, leafy greens can be stirred in at the end.

→ Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or substitute with chickpeas or white beans for protein. You could also use a meat substitute like seitan or tempeh.