Hearty Chicken Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon Recipe

Creamy comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese with bacon that blends hearty ingredients into one mouthwatering dish.

Tender chicken and crisp broccoli florets mingle with al dente pasta, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Smoky bacon adds a delightful crunch that takes this classic mac and cheese to another level.

Melted cheese blankets every single bite with rich, velvety goodness.

Sharp cheddar and smooth cream cheese merge into a decadent sauce that coats each noodle perfectly.

The combination of protein-packed chicken, nutritious broccoli, and indulgent cheese makes this a balanced meal everyone will devour.

Let’s find out this crowd-pleasing recipe that promises to become a new family favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and fills your dish with hearty substance; choose fresh, trimmed cuts for best results.
• Bacon: Delivers rich, smoky undertones and crispy crunch; select thick-cut varieties for maximum flavor intensity.

• Chicken Broth: Creates smooth liquid base with deep savory notes; opt for low-sodium versions to control overall saltiness.
• Milk: Provides creamy consistency and softens sauce texture; whole milk works best for richness.
• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken sauce and create velvety smoothness; ensure fresh and lump-free for perfect blending.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts wonderfully, offering sharp tangy flavor; select aged varieties for more pronounced taste.

• Pasta, Broccoli Florets: Combined for hearty, nutritious foundation; choose small pasta shapes that catch sauce easily and fresh broccoli with vibrant green color.
• Garlic Powder, Salt: Enhance overall seasoning profile; freshly ground garlic powder provides more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged versions.

Kitchen Tools for Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta and broccoli simultaneously.
• Large skillet: Perfect for frying bacon, cooking chicken, and making cheese sauce.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess bacon grease.
• Whisk: Critical for creating smooth sauce without lumps.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping bacon and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups/spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and folding ingredients.

Making Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon

• Pasta and Broccoli Preparation

Boil water and cook pasta until perfectly tender. Toss broccoli into the pot during the last few minutes of cooking. Drain and set aside for later magic.

• Bacon Magic

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until it transforms into crispy golden bits. Transfer to a paper towel, keeping those delicious drippings in the pan.

• Chicken Seasoning

Sprinkle seasonings on chicken pieces. Cook them in the bacon drippings until they’re fully cooked and bursting with flavor.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Dust flour into the skillet, stirring constantly. Slowly pour in milk and broth, whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.

• Cheese Bliss

Reduce heat and sprinkle cheese into the sauce. Stir until it melts into a luxurious, creamy mixture.

• Final Assembly

Combine pasta, broccoli, chicken, and bacon in the cheesy sauce. Toss until everything is beautifully coated and singing with flavor.

• Serving

Dish out immediately while piping hot. Optional: Garnish with extra cheese or fresh herbs for that final touch of deliciousness.

Tips to Perfect Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon

• Transform this dish by experimenting with different bacon varieties like maple-glazed, peppered, or applewood-smoked for unique flavor profiles.
• Swap cheddar with smoked gouda, monterey jack, or a blend of cheeses to create more complex and rich taste experiences.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes before serving, maintaining its creamy texture.
• Replace chicken with roasted cauliflower or add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and provide more depth to the dish.
• Top the final dish with toasted breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or additional crispy bacon bits to add delightful textural contrast and extra flavor excitement.

Serving Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon

• Cheesy Family Feast Night: Gather everyone around the table for a cozy, comforting meal that brings smiles and satisfied stomachs. This mac and cheese transforms an ordinary dinner into a memorable family experience.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to your next gathering and watch it disappear quickly. The combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness makes it an instant hit at community events and shared meals.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion out leftovers into individual containers for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners. The recipe reheats beautifully, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready in minutes when time is tight.
• Gourmet Twist Option: Elevate the dish by sprinkling toasted breadcrumbs or adding a dash of smoked paprika on top. These simple additions can transform the mac and cheese from classic comfort food to a slightly more sophisticated dinner option.

Storing Chicken Broccoli Mac and Cheese with Bacon

• Smart Refrigeration Tactics: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Refrigerated meals stay delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Quick Reheating Magic: Revive cold mac and cheese by adding a splash of milk before microwaving. Stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly, preventing dry or rubbery textures.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Portion meal into individual containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches. Freeze up to 2 months, ensuring maximum flavor retention by wrapping tightly in freezer-safe packaging.
• Meal Prep Efficiency: Chop ingredients and cook proteins in advance during weekend meal planning. Assemble dish quickly on busy weeknights, reducing total cooking time and stress while enjoying a comforting homemade dinner.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Macaroni And Cheese With Bacon Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken broccoli macaroni and cheese with bacon combines comfort classics in one hearty dish. Home cooks will discover a satisfying meal that blends cheesy pasta with savory protein and tender vegetables, creating pure deliciousness you can enjoy.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) skinless chicken breasts (cut into ¼-inch pieces)
• 3 slices bacon (coarsely chopped)
• 6 oz (170 g) uncooked pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, or your choice)
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (pre-chopped)
• 5 oz (142 g) cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp garlic powder (or minced garlic)
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Submerge macaroni in vigorously boiling water, cooking until al dente. Introduce broccoli florets during the final cooking minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Bacon Rendering: Heat skillet to medium-high, transform chopped bacon into crispy golden morsels. Extract bacon onto absorbent paper, preserving aromatic drippings in pan.
3. Protein Sautéing: Infuse chicken with kosher salt and garlic powder. Caramelize chicken pieces in residual bacon fat until thoroughly cooked and bronzed, approximately 5-7 minutes. Temporarily remove and maintain warmth.
4. Sauce Foundation: Dust flour into pan drippings, whisking meticulously to construct a seamless roux. Gradually stream milk and chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent clumping. Simmer until sauce achieves luxurious thickness.
5. Cheese Integration: Reduce heat, fold shredded cheddar into sauce. Manipulate until cheese dissolves completely, creating silky, molten consistency.
6. Final Assembly: Amalgamate macaroni, broccoli, chicken, and bacon into cheese sauce. Ensure comprehensive coating of all components.
7. Serving Finale: Plate immediately while piping hot. Optional: Embellish with additional cheese or freshly chopped parsley for enhanced visual and flavor profile.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook macaroni al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain a satisfying bite when mixed with creamy sauce.
• Bacon Rendering Technique: Use medium heat to slowly crisp bacon, allowing fat to render completely for maximum flavor infusion.
• Sauce Consistency Tip: Whisk roux continuously to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, silky cheese sauce base.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Reduce heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure a creamy, velvety texture without graininess.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Boiling, Sautéing, Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg