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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- Bacon Rendering: Heat skillet to medium-high, transform chopped bacon into crispy golden morsels. Extract bacon onto absorbent paper, preserving aromatic drippings in pan.
- 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.
- 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.
- Cheese Integration: Reduce heat, fold shredded cheddar into sauce. Manipulate until cheese dissolves completely, creating silky, molten consistency.
- Final Assembly: Amalgamate macaroni, broccoli, chicken, and bacon into cheese sauce. Ensure comprehensive coating of all components.
- 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