Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken

Spread the love

Who doesn’t love a classic mac and cheese? This Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken takes the cozy, crowd-pleasing dish to new heights by adding tender broccoli florets and juicy chicken. It’s a complete meal in one comforting casserole that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

The combination of creamy, melty cheddar cheese and the subtle bite of broccoli creates a flavor profile that’s both familiar and exciting. Plus, the addition of protein-packed chicken makes this mac and cheese a satisfying main dish rather than just a side. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or looking for a make-ahead meal the whole family will enjoy, this recipe delivers on both flavor and convenience.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

What sets this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken apart is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The tender broccoli florets provide a pleasant crunch that contrasts with the silky smooth cheese sauce, while the chicken adds heartiness and protein to make it a complete meal. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare with simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have on hand.

Another great thing about this dish is its versatility. You can make it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it for later, or bake it right away for a quick weeknight dinner. It also lends itself well to various dietary needs and preferences – you can easily make it dairy-free, lower in carbs, or packed with extra veggies to suit your tastes.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken ❓

• 8 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

The beauty of this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender broccoli, juicy chicken, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce creates the comforting, crowd-pleasing flavor profile that has made mac and cheese recipes perennially popular.

📝 How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken Step-by-Step ❓

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Step 3: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Step 4: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked macaroni, broccoli florets, and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 7: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

⏱️ Timing Overview

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes

Compared to traditional baked mac and cheese which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken saves you 15% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors and textures.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 8 servings):

Calories: 495
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 41g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 658mg

These Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken provide approximately 30% of your daily protein requirements and 10% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or reduced-fat cheddar cheese and milk to cut down on the overall fat and calorie content.
Lower-carb version: Substitute cauliflower florets for some or all of the macaroni to reduce the carbohydrates.
Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like unsweetened almond milk and vegan cheddar cheese.
Added protein: Increase the amount of chicken or add cooked protein-rich ingredients like beans or lentils.
Boost vegetables: Add more broccoli or other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve warm with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.
• Complement the dish with a light, crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water.
• For a family-style dinner, serve the mac and cheese alongside roasted vegetables or a simple side of steamed broccoli.
• Create an impressive appetizer platter by portioning the mac and cheese into individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the macaroni until just al dente, as it will continue to soften in the oven. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and unappetizing.
Lumpy cheese sauce: To prevent lumps in the cheese sauce, whisk the milk into the roux slowly and continuously. Allowing the sauce to simmer for the full 5-7 minutes will also help ensure a smooth, creamy texture.
Dry, tough chicken: To keep the chicken moist and tender, be sure not to overcook it. Shredding the chicken also helps it blend seamlessly into the mac and cheese.
Uneven baking: Make sure to spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly in the baking dish for even cooking and browning on top.
Forgetting to grease the dish: Coating the baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter will prevent the mac and cheese from sticking to the sides.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken retain their quality remarkably well:

Refrigeration: Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing unbaked: Assemble the mac and cheese in a baking dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Freezing baked: Allow the baked mac and cheese to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly.
Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or broth can help restore the creamy texture.

❓ FAQs

Can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for making ahead. You can assemble the entire dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked mac and cheese for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Can I substitute a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use a variety of cheeses in this recipe. Sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and even a blend of cheeses would all work well. Just keep the total amount of shredded cheese around 2 cups. The cheddar provides a classic mac and cheese flavor, but other cheeses can add different nuances.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

To make a dairy-free Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken, you can use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk, and opt for a dairy-free cheddar cheese alternative. There are many excellent plant-based cheese products available that melt and taste very similar to traditional cheddar.

Why is my mac and cheese sauce grainy?

If your cheese sauce turns out grainy, it’s likely due to overcooking the roux or adding the cheese at the wrong time. Be sure to cook the roux for only 1-2 minutes, and remove the pan from the heat before slowly whisking in the milk. Also, add the shredded cheese off the heat and stir continuously until it’s fully melted and incorporated.

Can I add extra vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile and can easily accommodate additional vegetables. Try mixing in steamed broccoli, cauliflower, diced bell peppers, or even frozen peas. You may need to adjust the amount of cheese sauce or baking time depending on how much extra volume you add.

Conclusion

These Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive potluck dish, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty texture. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Broccoli Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Chicken demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So gather your family around the table and enjoy this comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s sure to become a new household favorite.


Spread the love

Similar Posts