I make this mac and cheese recipe when the day runs long and I want a soft landing. The sauce comes smooth and rich. The pasta keeps a slight bite. The chicken brings warm comfort. We finish with a quick stovetop step that keeps the pot tidy and the mood easy. I keep the edges simple so the flavors stay close. Sharp cheddar melts into milk. A little mustard wakes it up. Broccoli slips in for color and crunch. When I stir, the spoon moves slow. The noodles coat and shine. My kitchen smells like home. If you like to follow along, this fits mac and cheese recipe videos. I love a home made mac and cheese recipe for busy nights. Try a broccoli mac and cheese recipe when you want green on the plate. Need speed, reach for a fast mac and cheese recipe. No oven needed, this is a stove top mac and cheese recipe. Gluten free works too with a gf mac and cheese recipe.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe
3) Ingredients for Chicken Mac And Cheese
4) How to Make Chicken Mac And Cheese
5) Tips for Making Chicken Mac And Cheese
6) Making Chicken Mac And Cheese Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Chicken Mac And Cheese
8) Try these pasta recipes next
9) Chicken Mac And Cheese
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Hi from Lila at Lila Cooks. I keep this mac and cheese recipe close on weeknights. The sauce turns silky. The pasta keeps a light bite. The chicken brings tender protein. Broccoli adds color and snap. We cook on the stove top. We skip the oven. We keep cleanup light. Two pots and a whisk sit on the counter and that is about it.

The base stays simple. Butter meets flour then milk. Cheddar melts. A spoon of mustard wakes the pot. Salt and pepper finish the taste. I test a noodle for doneness. I fold chicken and broccoli through the sauce. Bowls hit the table hot. Kids eat without a nudge which counts as a win in my house.

Plan for leftovers or scale for guests. Gluten free swaps work. You can add crumb topping in a pan for crunch. The flavor sits warm and cozy. The method stays clear and calm. We cook together and we eat well.

2) Easy Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe

I reach for this easy plan when the day runs long. I say mac and cheese recipe twice in my head then I pull the pot. The rhythm helps me move. Pasta cooks. Roux forms. Milk warms. Cheese melts. The fork twirls and I taste. The sauce clings. The spoon stands for a second then slides. That tells me the texture sits right.

We talk and stir. A little Dijon brings lift. Paprika adds mild glow. Chicken waits on the board and joins near the end. Broccoli brings bright crunch so the bowl does not feel heavy. I watch steam rise and I think of home. A classic mac and cheese recipe fits any table so I serve it with steady pride.

For friends who crave speed I say fast mac and cheese recipe and I mean it. The stove top mac and cheese recipe keeps things direct. If you track ideas online you can find mac and cheese recipe videos. If wheat stays off your list you can make a gf mac and cheese recipe with simple swaps.

3) Ingredients for Chicken Mac And Cheese

Elbow macaroni I like a shape with ridges so sauce grips each curve and bite stays lively

Cooked chicken Small cubes or shreds fold through the pot and add tender protein without fuss

Broccoli florets Quick blanch sets the green and keeps a fresh snap that balances the rich sauce

Butter The melt starts the roux and builds body for a sauce that coats without lumps

All purpose flour or gluten free blend A short cook tames the raw taste and sets a smooth base

Milk I use whole milk for a creamy finish that stays stable on the stove

Sharp cheddar Bold flavor melts into silk and gives that classic pull we crave

Mozzarella Gentle melt adds stretch and rounds the cheddar without stealing the show

Dijon mustard One small spoon brightens the pot and lifts the cheese

Sweet paprika A warm note and a soft blush on the sauce look lovely in the bowl

Fine sea salt and black pepper Season with care so the cheese speaks but does not shout

4) How to Make Chicken Mac And Cheese

Step 1 Set a large pot of salted water on high heat then add macaroni and cook to just tender so the pasta holds a light bite

Step 2 Blanch broccoli in the pasta water for one minute then lift it out and let it drain so the color stays bright

Step 3 In a wide pot melt butter over medium heat then whisk in flour and cook one minute to make a pale roux

Step 4 Slowly whisk in milk a little at a time until smooth then simmer and stir until the sauce looks glossy and lightly thick

Step 5 Drop heat to low then add cheddar and mozzarella and stir until melted and silky so the spoon leaves soft trails

Step 6 Season with Dijon paprika salt and pepper then taste and adjust so the flavors sit in balance

Step 7 Fold in drained pasta chicken and broccoli and stir until each noodle wears a coat of sauce that shines

Step 8 Rest the pot for a minute then ladle into warm bowls and serve hot

5) Tips for Making Chicken Mac And Cheese

Salt the pasta water well. The noodle tastes better from the start. Cook to al dente so it holds shape. Save a splash of pasta water. It helps loosen the sauce if it turns too thick. Keep heat gentle once cheese goes in so the sauce stays smooth and does not split.

Shred cheese by hand when you can. Pre shredded works in a pinch. Fresh shreds melt cleaner. Taste the sauce before you add chicken. Adjust seasoning then fold in the mix ins. A family mac and cheese recipe grows from small choices made at the stove.

For crunch toast crumbs in a dry pan then sprinkle on each bowl. For spice a few drops of hot sauce wake the pot. For a lighter bowl add extra broccoli. For a richer bowl warm a little half and half with the milk. The mac and cheese recipe stays flexible.

6) Making Chicken Mac And Cheese Ahead of Time

I prep parts in calm stages. I cook pasta and toss it with a little oil so it does not stick. I chill it flat on a tray. I blanch broccoli and cool it quick. I grate the cheese and keep it sealed. When dinner calls I finish the sauce then fold in the ready parts and the meal lands fast.

If you plan to reheat later keep some milk handy. Warm the pot on low and add a splash as you stir. The texture returns to creamy with little effort. For busy nights I whisper easy mac and cheese recipe and smile since the plan works every time.

For gatherings I scale up and hold the sauce warm on the stove. Pasta and broccoli wait in bowls. Guests arrive and we build bowls on demand. This keeps the bite fresh and the sauce smooth. A weeknight mac and cheese recipe can feed a crowd with this simple workflow.

7) Storing Leftover Chicken Mac And Cheese

Cool leftovers then pack in shallow containers. Refrigerate for two days. For longer keep single portions in the freezer. Label with the date so you stay on track. Reheat on low in a small pot with a splash of milk and a patient stir. The sauce will relax and turn glossy again.

Microwave works in a pinch. Use medium power and short bursts. Stir between each burst. The noodles stay tender and the cheese stays smooth. If you keep gluten free pasta in the mix pick a sturdy brand that holds up on day two. A thoughtful mac and cheese recipe cares for tomorrow as much as tonight.

Leftover ideas bring fun. Spoon into a muffin tin and chill then pan fry the little rounds for lunch. Add peas for color. Top with a fried egg for a cozy brunch. Small tweaks turn one pot into many meals and save time for the rest of your day.

8) Try these pasta recipes next

9) Chicken Mac And Cheese