There’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of creamy mac and cheese, and this version takes it to the next level with tender chicken and fresh broccoli. It’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying, yet balanced with a pop of color and freshness from the veggies. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to become a new favorite.
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🧀 The Ingredients
Just a handful of simple ingredients—juicy chicken, crisp broccoli, pasta, and plenty of melty cheese—come together for the ultimate cozy meal. Find ingredient notes (including substitutions and variations) below.
👉 Substitutions and Variations
Substitutions:
- Butter: Use olive oil or margarine if preferred.
- Flour: Swap with cornstarch or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option.
- Whole milk & half and half: Use all whole milk, heavy cream, or a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk.
- Chicken broth: Vegetable broth works well, or just use water with a bouillon cube.
- Dijon mustard: Yellow mustard or a pinch of dry mustard powder can stand in.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Fresh garlic and onion can be sautéed in the butter for added depth.
- Elbow pasta: Any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne works great.
- Fresh broccoli: Substitute with frozen broccoli, cauliflower, peas, or spinach.
- Rotisserie chicken: Use leftover grilled, baked, or even canned chicken.
- Cheddar cheese: Swap with Gruyère, Colby Jack, or Monterey Jack.
- Yellow American cheese: Use Velveeta, provolone, or more cheddar for a different flavor.
Variations:
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or jalapeños.
- Extra Veggies: Stir in mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- Crunchy Topping: Top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
- Lighter Version: Use whole wheat pasta and reduced-fat cheese.
- Indulgent Bake: Transfer to a casserole dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
😋 Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
- Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting—freshly grated melts creamier.
- Cook pasta al dente: Slightly undercook the pasta so it holds its shape once mixed with the sauce.
- Steam broccoli lightly: Keep broccoli bright green and slightly crisp—it will finish cooking in the hot sauce.
- Add broth gradually: Pour in broth slowly while whisking to prevent a thin or watery sauce.
- Season in layers: Taste the sauce before adding pasta and adjust salt, pepper, or mustard for balance.
- Serve right away: Creamy mac and cheese is best fresh; if reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Expert Tip
For the creamiest sauce, whisk the milk and half-and-half slowly into the roux, then stir in cheese off the heat—this keeps it from separating and ensures a smooth, velvety finish.
👩🏼🍳 How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
- Step 1: Steam the broccoli florets until tender.
- Step 2: Melt the butter and then stir in the flour and cook, stirring often, to create a roux.
- Step 3: Slowly whisk in the broth, half and half, and milk.
- Step 4: Stir in the seasonings.
- Step 5: Stir in the pasta and simmer until tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Step 6: Stir in the chicken and broccoli, turn off the heat, and gradually mix in the cheese until melted.
Expert Tip
To keep the broccoli bright green and tender-crisp, steam or blanch it just until vibrant, then fold it into the pasta at the very end.
🙋🏽♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat gently on the stove or in the oven with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
You can freeze it, but the sauce may lose some creaminess when thawed. For best results, freeze in portions and reheat slowly with added milk or broth.
Elbow pasta is classic, but shells, rotini, or penne also hold the creamy sauce well.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Ready to make the best mac and cheese in town? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @HowToFeedaLoon and hashtag #HowToFeedaLoon!
Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
Video
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet 12 inches is ideal
Ingredients
- 2½ cups broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 12 oz elbow pasta small
- 2½ cups chicken cooked and roughly chopped, rotisserie is perfect
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups yellow American cheese shredded
Instructions
- Steam the broccoli until tender and bright green. Set aside.2½ cups broccoli florets
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring often, for 1 minute.2 tablespoon unsalted butter, 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Slowly whisk in the broth, half and half, and milk. Whisk until all lumps are gone.2 cups chicken broth, 2 cups half and half, 2 cups whole milk
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 2 teaspoon Kosher salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Add the pasta and bring to a simmer. Stirring often, cook until the pasta is tender, usually about 10 minutes.12 oz elbow pasta
- Stir in the chicken and steamed broccoli. Turn off the heat and gradually stir in the cheese until melted. Serve at once. If it's too thick, add more milk or broth until the desired consistency.2½ cups chicken, 2 cups cheddar cheese, 2 cups yellow American cheese
Notes
- Cheese: For the smoothest sauce, shred your own cheddar instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
- Broccoli: Don’t forget to lightly steam or blanch broccoli before adding so it stays bright and crisp-tender.
- Reheating: Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
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