How To Feed A Loon

  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizers
    • Asian
    • Breads and Doughs
    • Cajun / Creole / Louisiana
    • Breakfast / Brunch
    • Comfort Food
    • Delectable Desserts
    • Entrees / Mains
    • Instant Pot
    • Italian
    • Pizza
    • Rubs, Spices and Sauces
    • Soups & Salads
    • Sides
    • Seafood
    • Southern
    • Mexican / Tex-Mex / Cal-Mex
    • Thanksgiving
    • Vegetarian
  • Videos
    • Recipe Videos
    • Web Stories
  • Work With Us
  • Contact
  • **Premium Access**
  • Recipes
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Game-Day Favorites
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Premium
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Game-Day Favorites
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Premium
×
Home » Recipe Index » Comfort Food

Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli

Published: Sep 7, 2025 by Kris Longwell · This post may contain affiliate links

26 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Bluesky
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

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.

A white bowl filled with a serving of creamy mac and cheese with chicken and broccoli sitting next to a large skillet filled with the same.
Jump to:
  • 🧀 The Ingredients
  • 👉 Substitutions and Variations
  • 😋 Tips & Tricks for the Best Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
  • 👩🏼‍🍳 How to Make Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli
  • 🙋🏽‍♂️ Frequently Asked Questions
  • 😋 More Creamy Pasta Recipes
  • Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli

🧀 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.

An arrangement of ingredients for creamy mac and cheese with chicken and broccoli on a wooden grey background including shredded cheese, chicken broth, pasta, milk, half and half, broccoli, chicken, butter, and seasonings.

👉 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

A person lifting a clear lid from a metal pot on a stove that contains a steamer basket with freshly steamed broccoli florets resting on the basket.
  1. Step 1: Steam the broccoli florets until tender.
A person using a wooden spatula to stir a roux in a large skillet on a gas stove.
  1. Step 2: Melt the butter and then stir in the flour and cook, stirring often, to create a roux.
A person pouring milk with one hand into a skillet filled with a bechamel sauce with his other hand whisking the mixture.
  1. Step 3: Slowly whisk in the broth, half and half, and milk.
A person holding a small bowl filled with a teaspoon of onion powder and a teaspoon of garlic powder over a skillet filled with bechamel sauce with ground black pepper in the middle.
  1. Step 4: Stir in the seasonings.
A person transferring uncooked small elbow pasta from a large glass bowl into a skillet filled with a creamy bechamel sauce.
  1. Step 5: Stir in the pasta and simmer until tender and the sauce has slightly thickened.
A person dumping shredded cheddar cheese and yellow American cheese from a glass bowl into a large skillet filled with creamy mac and cheese with chicken and broccoli.
  1. 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

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

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.

Can I freeze Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli?

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.

What type of pasta works best for Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli?

Elbow pasta is classic, but shells, rotini, or penne also hold the creamy sauce well.

How do I store leftovers of Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli?

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.

😋 More Creamy Pasta Recipes

  • The Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese in a large cast iron skillet with a wooden spoon.
    The Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese
  • A large stainless steel saucepan filled with fettuccine with creamy sausage sauce with a wooden spoon also in the pan.
    Fettuccine with Creamy Sausage Sauce
  • A spoonful of Mac and Cheese with Roasted Cauliflower and Smoked Bacon in a white dish
    Mac and Cheese with Roasted Cauliflower and Smoked Bacon
  • A white individual pasta bowl filled with shrimp fettuccine alfredo next to a large silver skillet filled with the same.
    Shrimp Fettuccine Alfredo

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!

An overhead view of a white bowl filled with a serving of creamy mac and cheese with chicken and broccoli with a gold fork sitting next to the bowl.

Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken and Broccoli

Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and elbow pasta are coated in a rich, cheesy sauce for the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, hearty, and family-friendly.
No ratings yet
Print Pin Rate
Course: Entree
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 632kcal
Author: Kris Longwell

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

NOTE: Watch the video near the top of the recipe for visual guidance.
You need a total of six cups of liquid. You can use only milk, half and half, heavy cream, broth, or water, or a combination of any of these. You won’t want to skip the dairy, however. 
More helpful tips:
  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 632kcal | Carbohydrates: 56g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 104mg | Sodium: 768mg | Potassium: 582mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1184IU | Vitamin C: 35mg | Calcium: 495mg | Iron: 2mg
Tried this recipe? Take a Picture!Mention @HowToFeedALoon or tag #HowToFeedALoon!

More Comfort Food

  • An overhead view of a wok filled with fully cooked Korean ground beef stir-fry with a wooden spatula inserted into the side of the food.
    Korean Ground Beef Stir-Fry
  • An overhead view of two fully loaded West Virginia Slaw Dogs resting side by side on a couple of pieces of crumpled brown paper.
    West Virginia Slaw Dog
  • Two Cincinnati Cheese Coney hot dogs sitting on a white dinner plate, both dogs topped with large piles of shredded cheddar cheese.
    Cincinnati Cheese Coneys
  • An overhead view of two side-by-side bowls both filled with a serving of slow cooker lasagna soup.
    Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Welcome!

Kris & Wesley (The Loon) live for fun, food, and fabulousness. "How to Feed a Loon" is a celebration of just that. Come join us on this joyous culinary ride.

More about us

Game Day Favorites

  • A small baking pan lined with brown paper and topped with balsamic glazed baby back ribs with a small bowl filled with the glaze nearby.
    Balsamic-Glazed Baby Back Ribs
  • A person holding a Coney Island hot dog in his hand with the frankfurter nestled into the bun and topped with sauerkraut, chopped onions, and a zig zag of deli-style mustard.
    Coney Island Hot Dog (The Original)
  • An overhead view of two large oval dinner plates filled with heaping servings of Cincinnati chili served over spaghetti, beans, onions, and topped with shredded cheddar cheese.
    Homemade Cincinnati Chili (5 Ways)
  • A person holding a best-ever cheeseburger consisting of a juicy beef burger topped with melting cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickles all sandwiched between a toasted homemade hamburger bun.
    Best-Ever Cheeseburger
  • Grilled BBQ Chicken with visible grill marks resting on a metal sheet pan with a small white bowl of homemade BBQ sauce with a spoon in it nearby.
    Best-Ever Grilled BBQ Chicken
  • A person pulling a slice of homemade New York-style pizza from the entire pie that has been cut into six slices with a small bowl of grated cheese and two glasses of beer nearby.
    Homemade New York-Style Pizza

Popular Recipes

  • best-ever chicken salad recipe
    Best-Ever Chicken Salad
  • A white soup filled with roasted tomato basil soup next to sliced grilled cheese sandwiches.
    Roasted Tomato Basil Soup
  • Mahi Mahi tacos on a wooden table in a taco holder
    Amazing Mahi Mahi Tacos
  • A lemon wedge being squeezed onto a platter of chicken francese
    Chicken Francese
  • Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits recipe
    Southern Shrimp and Cheesy Grits
  • Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder on a platter with a side of gravy
    Slow Roasted Pork Shoulder

Footer

↑ back to top

Explore

  • Recipe Index
  • About Us
  • Subscribe

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2025 How to Feed a Loon • This website contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on a product link, we may receive a commission in return. How To Feed a Loon is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

26 shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required