Chicken Broccoli Mac Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Mac Cheese: Prepare to experience the ultimate comfort food mashup! Imagine the creamy, cheesy goodness of classic macaroni and cheese elevated with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate, guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

While the exact origins of combining chicken, broccoli, and mac and cheese are somewhat modern, the individual components boast rich histories. Macaroni and cheese, in its simplest form, dates back to 14th-century Italy, evolving over centuries into the beloved dish we know today. Broccoli, a member of the cabbage family, has been enjoyed since Roman times. Chicken, of course, has been a staple protein source for millennia. Bringing these elements together creates a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both familiar and exciting.

What makes Chicken Broccoli Mac Cheese so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet. The cheesy sauce coats every bite, while the chicken adds a hearty protein boost and the broccoli provides a welcome touch of freshness. It’s also incredibly convenient! This one-pot wonder is relatively easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or potlucks. Whether you’re craving a comforting classic with a twist or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. I know it’s one of mine!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Mac and Cheese:
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or medium, your preference!)
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (for extra flavor and creaminess)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a nutty, savory note)
• For the Chicken and Broccoli:
• 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional Topping:
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Preparing the Chicken and Broccoli:

1. First, let’s get the chicken and broccoli ready. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure everything cooks evenly and the broccoli gets nice and tender-crisp.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the spices. This is where the flavor really starts to build!
3. Add the broccoli florets to the same bowl and toss to coat them with the remaining oil and spices. You might need to add a touch more olive oil if the broccoli seems dry. We want everything to be nicely coated so it roasts beautifully.
4. Spread the chicken and broccoli in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the vegetables instead of roasting them. If necessary, use two baking sheets.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender-crisp. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.

Making the Creamy Mac and Cheese:

1. While the chicken and broccoli are roasting, let’s get started on the mac and cheese. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Be sure to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce. Nobody likes mushy mac and cheese!
2. Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it well and set it aside. I like to give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. Now, for the cheese sauce! In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
4. Slowly whisk in the milk and heavy cream, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
6. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that really elevates the flavor.
7. Add the shredded cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce, a little at a time, stirring until each addition is melted and smooth before adding more. This ensures that the cheese melts evenly and doesn’t clump.
8. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a pinch more salt or pepper to your liking.
9. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. Make sure every noodle is covered in that delicious cheesy goodness!

Assembling the Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese:

1. Now comes the fun part – putting it all together! Gently fold the roasted chicken and broccoli into the mac and cheese. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want to break up the broccoli too much.
2. At this point, you can either serve the mac and cheese immediately, or you can transfer it to a baking dish for a baked version.
3. For a Baked Version (Optional): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the chicken broccoli mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Optional Topping: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese. This will create a golden, crispy crust.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
6. Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the cheese sauce to set slightly.

Serving Suggestions:

This Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. It’s also great for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy weeknight dinner. Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a creamy, cheesy, and comforting hug in a bowl that your whole family will adore. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it elevates the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. The addition of tender chicken and vibrant broccoli not only adds a boost of protein and nutrients but also creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. Forget boring, bland mac and cheese – this is a complete and satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Think about it: you get the comforting familiarity of mac and cheese, the heartiness of chicken, and the freshness of broccoli, all in one dish. It’s a win-win-win! And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile.

Looking for serving suggestions? This Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with a simple side salad for a lighter meal. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing would perfectly complement the richness of the cheese sauce. Or, for a heartier meal, serve it with some crusty bread for dipping into all that delicious cheesy goodness.

But the fun doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative with variations. If you’re a fan of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little kick. You could also swap out the cheddar cheese for a blend of Gruyere and Parmesan for a more sophisticated flavor profile. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and add more broccoli or other vegetables like cauliflower or peas. If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to speed up the process even further.

Here are a few more ideas to spark your culinary creativity:

* Add a crispy topping: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese before baking for a golden-brown crust.
* Spice it up: Incorporate some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce.
* Make it healthier: Use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese to lighten up the dish.
* Get cheesy: Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Havarti.
* Add some greens: Stir in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.

I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe as much as I do. It’s become a staple in my household, and I’m always looking for new ways to customize it. I truly believe that this Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a recipe that everyone should have in their repertoire.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Please, please, please try this recipe! And when you do, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did your family think? Share your photos and comments – I’m eager to see your creations and learn from your experiences. Let’s spread the cheesy, chicken-y, broccoli-filled love! Happy cooking!