This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, crispy bacon, and a rich, cheesy sauce for a satisfying meal. Perfectly cooked pasta and broccoli are tossed with a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, while bacon adds a smoky crunch, making this a go-to comfort food recipe. This recipe is versatile and ideal for family dinners or gatherings, bringing a classic mac and cheese to the next level with added protein and veggies.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Loaded with Comfort: This dish brings together classic mac and cheese with the added heartiness of chicken, broccoli, and bacon for a complete, satisfying meal.
Balanced and Nutritious: Broccoli adds a touch of green and nutrients, making this dish a delicious way to enjoy your veggies.
Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can have this meal on the table in about 30 minutes.
Versatile and Customizable: You can tweak the ingredients to match your tastes—try different cheeses, add extra veggies, or spice things up for a personalized touch.
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Key Ingredients:
Pasta: Elbow macaroni and penne work well, but any short pasta shape will do. Just be sure to cook it to al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly once mixed into the cheese sauce.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for texture and color, but frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch. Just thaw and drain well before adding to the dish.
Bacon: The bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that complements the cheese sauce perfectly. Opt for thick-cut bacon if possible, as it stays crispy longer.
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner option, or swap for boneless chicken thighs for extra tenderness.
Milk: Whole milk is ideal for a rich sauce, but you can also use 2% milk or even half-and-half for an extra creamy result.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a deliciously bold flavor, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or a bit of Parmesan for complexity.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare Pasta and Broccoli
Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Add Broccoli: In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta.
Drain: Drain pasta and broccoli; set aside.
Step 2: Cook Bacon
Crisp Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy.
Remove Bacon: Transfer bacon to a plate lined with a paper towel, leaving bacon drippings in the skillet.
Step 3: Cook Chicken
Add Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and garlic powder. Add to skillet with bacon drippings.
Cook Thoroughly: Sauté until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 4: Make Cheese Sauce
Create a Roux: Add flour to the skillet drippings, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes.
Whisk in Milk and Broth: Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth.
Thicken: Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles.
Add Cheese: Reduce heat, add shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Combine Ingredients: Add cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Serve: Garnish with additional cheese or chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy hot!
Serving Suggestions:
This Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese is a hearty meal on its own, but here are a few ways to elevate your dining experience:
Add a Crisp Side Salad: A light, crunchy salad with fresh greens, tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the macaroni and cheese.
Serve with Garlic Bread: Garlic bread or a warm baguette is a great way to soak up any extra cheese sauce.
Top with Extra Toppings: Sprinkle on some extra bacon bits, a handful of chives, or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips:
Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dish.
Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months, but be aware that the cheese sauce may separate slightly when reheated. To help prevent this, freeze individual portions and reheat slowly in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to help restore the creaminess. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Make Ahead Tips: For a quicker weeknight meal, cook the pasta, broccoli, bacon, and chicken in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble with the cheese sauce just before serving.
Variations and Additions:
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for a spicy version. Pepper Jack cheese also adds a delightful kick.
Veggie-Packed: Enhance the nutritional value by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms. Just add them when you cook the chicken or broccoli.
Swap the Cheese: Try using different cheeses like Gouda, Gruyère, or Parmesan for unique flavors. A bit of cream cheese can also add extra creaminess.
BBQ Chicken Mac and Cheese: Mix in shredded rotisserie chicken with a touch of BBQ sauce for a smoky, tangy twist.
Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend to make the sauce.
Cauliflower Substitute: Replace the broccoli with cauliflower for a similar texture and mild flavor that blends beautifully with the cheesy sauce.
Conclusion:
This Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon is the ultimate comfort dish that’s both satisfying and versatile. It’s ideal for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve up something hearty and crowd-pleasing. The creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and smoky bacon create a balanced and delicious meal that’s sure to be a new favorite.
Prepare to dig in and savor each comforting bite—this dish is just as good as it sounds!
Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon
Ingredients
- 6 oz uncooked pasta elbow macaroni, penne, or choice
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets pre-chopped
- 3 slices bacon coarsely chopped
- 12 oz skinless chicken breasts cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder or minced garlic
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 5 oz cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling pasta. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, leaving bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Season chicken pieces with salt and garlic powder. Add to skillet with bacon drippings and sauté until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Add flour to the skillet drippings, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Gradually add milk and chicken broth, whisking until smooth. Cook, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens and bubbles. Reduce heat, add shredded cheddar cheese, and stir until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta, broccoli, chicken, and bacon to the cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Serve hot, garnished with additional cheese or chopped parsley if desired.