Creamy & Comforting: The Best Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese Recipe for Easy Weeknights

Prepare to delight your taste buds with this incredibly simple yet utterly delicious Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese. This dish isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, guaranteed to become a cherished family favorite. Combining classic comfort food with wholesome additions, it offers a satisfying, complete dinner solution that comes together surprisingly quickly – often in under 30 minutes!

Forget bland, boxed dinners! This homemade Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese elevates a classic dish with tender pieces of cooked chicken and vibrant, nutrient-packed broccoli florets, transforming it into a hearty and well-rounded meal. The secret lies in its lusciously rich and velvety cheese sauce, which coats every piece of pasta, chicken, and broccoli, ensuring an explosion of flavor in every bite. It’s comfort food perfected, providing both indulgence and nourishment.

Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight solution, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or simply a cozy meal to share with loved ones, this recipe is designed for success. We absolutely adore it, and we’re confident it will earn a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire!

For more cheesy pasta inspiration, don’t miss our recipes for Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese and the Easiest Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese.

Why This Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a Weeknight Winner

This recipe isn’t just another mac and cheese; it’s a complete meal designed for convenience and maximum flavor. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

• Quick & Easy: With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, you can have a hearty dinner on the table in under 35 minutes.
• Full of Flavor: A homemade cheese sauce, seasoned to perfection, creates an incredibly rich and savory base.
• Wholesome & Filling: The addition of tender chicken and fresh broccoli florets transforms this dish into a balanced meal, providing protein and essential vegetables. No need for extra side dishes!
• Family Friendly: Macaroni and cheese is a universal crowd-pleaser, and the chicken and broccoli are easily adaptable for even the pickiest eaters.
• Versatile: Easily customize it with different proteins, vegetables, or cheeses to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese

Crafting this delightful dish requires a selection of readily available ingredients. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its components. Here’s a detailed look at what you’ll need to create this comforting chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese, with some notes on each (full recipe with precise measurements can be found below in the recipe card):

• Elbow Macaroni Noodles (or other short pasta): Classic elbow macaroni is ideal for trapping that creamy sauce, but feel free to use other short pasta shapes like cavatappi, shells, or rotini for variety.
• Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets, adds a wonderful texture, color, and a boost of nutrients. You can use fresh or frozen (thawed) broccoli.
• Cooked Chicken: This is where convenience truly shines! Pre-cooked, shredded, or diced chicken breast or thigh meat works perfectly. Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver, or you can use leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal.
• Cheddar Cheese: The backbone of any great mac and cheese. Opt for sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor, or a milder variety for a subtle taste. Always shred your own cheese from a block for the best melting consistency and flavor – pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s creaminess.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty depth to the cheese sauce, complementing the cheddar beautifully. Freshly grated Parmesan makes a noticeable difference.
• Butter: Essential for building the roux, which forms the base of our thick and creamy cheese sauce. Unsalted butter gives you more control over the overall saltiness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Used in equal parts with butter to create the roux, a thickening agent for the sauce.
• Milk: Whole milk will yield the richest, creamiest sauce, but 2% or even 1% milk can be used if you prefer a lighter option. The fat content directly impacts the final texture and mouthfeel.
• Mustard Powder: A secret ingredient for many cheese sauces! It doesn’t make the sauce taste like mustard but enhances the savory, cheesy flavor without being overpowering.
• Paprika: Adds a touch of warm color and a hint of smoky flavor, elevating the overall profile of the dish.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Crucial for seasoning the pasta water and the cheese sauce to taste, bringing all the flavors into balance.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese

Creating this delicious meal is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result:

1. Cook the Noodles to Perfection: Begin by cooking your elbow macaroni (or chosen pasta) in a large pot of generously salted water. Salting the water properly seasons the pasta from within. Cook until the pasta reaches an al dente texture – tender but with a slight bite. Refer to your pasta package instructions for precise timing, or try our cold water pasta cooking tip below for faster results.
2. Blanch the Broccoli with Pasta: In the last few minutes of the pasta’s cooking time, add the bite-sized broccoli florets directly to the pot. This quick blanching ensures the broccoli is tender-crisp and perfectly cooked alongside the pasta. Once both are done, drain the noodles and broccoli together thoroughly.
3. Prepare the Silky Cheese Sauce: While your pasta and broccoli are cooking, start on the star of the show: the homemade cheese sauce.
   • Start with a Roux: In a large skillet (large enough to hold the entire dish later), melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes. This creates a roux, a paste that will thicken your sauce. It should be a pale, golden color.
   • Gradually Add Milk: Slowly pour the milk into the roux, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps and the mixture becomes smooth. This gradual addition and vigorous whisking are key to a lump-free sauce.
   • Thicken the Sauce: Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the sauce to a gentle boil, stirring frequently. As it heats, it will begin to thicken beautifully.
   • Season and Melt Cheese: Once the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency (it should coat the back of a spoon), reduce the heat to low. Stir in the salt, pepper, mustard powder, and paprika. Then, gradually add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Combine and Serve: Add the drained noodles, blanched broccoli, and cooked chicken to the skillet with the prepared cheese sauce. Gently stir everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated in the rich, creamy sauce.

Serve immediately and watch it disappear! This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but it also holds up well for leftovers (see tips below).

Expert Tips for Making This Recipe Shine

Achieve mac and cheese perfection every time with these helpful tips and tricks:

• The Cold Water Pasta Method: For a faster cooking time and perfectly textured pasta, try starting your noodles in cold water. Place the pasta in a pot, add cold water to cover, then set it over high heat. As the water heats up, the pasta begins to cook, significantly reducing the overall cooking duration. The only caveat is that you won’t be able to rely on package cooking times; instead, taste the pasta periodically until it’s tender with a slight bite, known as al dente. This method can also prevent sticking and ensures a more even cook.
• Timing is Everything: If you use the cold water pasta method and begin preparing your cheese sauce concurrently, both components should be ready around the same time, streamlining your cooking process and getting dinner on the table even faster.
• Chicken Options Galore: The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility with chicken.
  • Rotisserie Chicken: A fantastic shortcut! Pick up a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, shred it, and you’re good to go.
  • Leftover Chicken: Perfect for repurposing last night’s roasted or grilled chicken. Both breast and dark meat work wonderfully, offering different flavor profiles and textures.
  • Cook in Advance: If you prefer to cook your own chicken, consider making a batch ahead of time. I have a detailed post on how to cook bulk chicken specifically for recipes like this.
  • Other Proteins: Don’t limit yourself to chicken! Cooked shrimp or crumbled, seasoned tofu can make excellent substitutes if you’re looking to change things up or cater to different dietary preferences. For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken entirely.
• Milk Matters for Creaminess: While 2% and 1% milk will work, using whole milk will undoubtedly provide the richest, most luxurious, and flavorful cheese sauce. The higher fat content contributes significantly to the sauce’s body and mouthfeel.
• Make Ahead & Baked Mac and Cheese Variation: This recipe is surprisingly adaptable for make-ahead convenience or as a baked dish.
  • Prepping Ahead: Once the dish is fully combined in the skillet, you can transfer it to a greased casserole dish. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to several days.
  • Baking Instructions: When ready to serve, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered casserole for 30-40 minutes, or until it’s heated through and bubbly. If you like a crispy top, you can remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of baking. This makes it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining.
• Shred Your Own Cheese: For the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce, always shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents like cellulose, which can prevent them from melting properly and can make your sauce gritty.

More Easy Meals to Try for Busy Weeknights

If you loved this comforting dish and are looking for other effortless yet delicious meal ideas, here are some of our top recommendations:

• Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo: Indulge in a classic, creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken and rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for a quick, elegant dinner.
• Sheet Pan Sausage and Potatoes: A super simple, minimal-cleanup meal where everything cooks on one sheet pan, offering robust flavors with hardly any effort.
• Spaghetti and Meatballs: The ultimate comfort food pairing, this timeless dish is always a hit with both kids and adults, featuring savory meatballs and a rich tomato sauce.
• Chicken Fried Rice: A quick and versatile stir-fry that’s perfect for using up leftover rice and vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal in minutes.

Shop Essential Tools for Your Kitchen

To make this recipe and many others even easier, here are some highly recommended kitchen tools:

Final Thoughts on Your Next Favorite Meal

This Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. It perfectly balances the indulgent creaminess of mac and cheese with the wholesome goodness of chicken and broccoli, making it a meal you can feel good about serving to your family. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is designed for success, delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss.

We encourage you to try it out this week and experience the joy of a homemade, comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Happy cooking!