One Pot Broccoli Chicken Mac and Cheese

Name: One Pot Broccoli Chicken Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 tbsp butter, divided; 1 small onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 3 tbsp all purpose flour; 2.5 cups low sodium chicken stock; 2.5 cups milk; 10 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked; 1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets; 2 cups shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese; 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

A cozy, complete dinner featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy pasta all cooked together in a single pot.

By Recipes By Nani· 🌍 American· October 12, 2026

recipesbynani.com

Prep

15 minutes

Cook

25 minutes

Total

40 minutes

Serves

There is something so special about a meal that comes together without a mountain of dirty dishes. This one pot mac and cheese takes your favorite comfort food and turns it into a balanced dinner by adding seasoned chicken bites and plenty of fresh broccoli florets. It is a hearty meal that the whole family will love, and it manages to be creamy and rich without needing a drop of heavy cream.

Since this dish cooks the pasta right in the sauce, make sure to keep a close eye on your liquid measurements. If you find yourself in a rush on a weeknight, this recipe is a lifesaver because it goes from raw ingredients to a bubbly, golden finish in just over thirty minutes.

🧺 Ingredients

1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite sized pieces
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tbsp butter, divided
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp all purpose flour
2.5 cups low sodium chicken stock
2.5 cups milk
10 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
1 large head of broccoli, cut into small florets
2 cups shredded cheddar or colby jack cheese
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

👩‍🍳Instructions

1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven proof pan or pot over medium heat. Add the onion and minced garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until soft.
3
Add the chicken pieces to the pot. Sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes until the chicken is just sealed on the outside.
4
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to coat the chicken and onions.
5
Pour in the chicken stock and milk, stirring constantly until the flour paste is fully dissolved.
6
Add the uncooked macaroni and stir well. Scatter the raw broccoli florets over the top of the mixture.
7
Cover the pot with a lid and bake in the oven for 20 minutes.
8
Carefully remove the lid, stir in the shredded cheese until smooth, and top the dish with the panko breadcrumbs mixed with the remaining 1 tablespoon of melted butter and the parmesan cheese.
9
Place the pan back into the oven under the broiler for 3 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.

💡 Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a small splash of milk to bring back the creaminess, as the pasta will soak up more liquid while sitting. For a great crunch, always use fresh panko rather than fine breadcrumbs.

#dinner #chicken #pasta #comfort food #easy meals

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