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Mac-N-Cheese Chicken Broccoli Casserole: A Comfort Food Masterpiece

My earliest memories of comfort food involve a bubbling, cheesy casserole dish. My grandmother, a woman who could coax magic from the simplest ingredients, always had a version of this dish on hand for family gatherings. While her recipe was a closely guarded secret, this Mac-N-Cheese Chicken Broccoli Casserole evokes that same sense of warmth, nostalgia, and pure, unadulterated deliciousness. It’s a hug in a pan, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Dietary Type: Not Vegetarian

Ingredients

2 (12 ounce) boxes of Kraft Mac n’ Cheese Deluxe
6-8 slices cooked bacon, crispy
4 chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup of cooked broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese or 1 1/2 cups Colby cheese
1 cup milk
2 eggs
Pepper to taste
1/4 cup Italian breadcrumbs

Equipment Needed

Large skillet
Lasagna pan (9×13 inch)
Wire whisk
Mixing bowls
Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Make sure your oven rack is positioned in the center for even baking.
In a large skillet, cook the cubed chicken breasts in the olive oil over medium-high heat. Ensure the chicken is cooked completely through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your cubes.
Once the chicken is cooked, drain any excess oil from the skillet. This prevents the casserole from becoming greasy.
Set aside the cooked chicken, cooked broccoli florets, crispy bacon, and shredded cheese. These will be layered into the casserole later.
Prepare the Kraft Mac n’ Cheese Deluxe according to the package directions. This forms the creamy, cheesy base of the casserole. Usually, this involves boiling the pasta until tender, draining it, and then stirring in the cheese sauce mix.
In a separate mixing bowl, using a wire whisk, beat together the milk, eggs, and pepper until thoroughly blended. The pepper adds a touch of savory depth. Set this mixture aside. It will be poured over the casserole to create a custardy texture.
Spread half of the prepared macaroni and cheese evenly in the bottom of a lasagna pan. This creates the first layer of cheesy goodness.
Cover the macaroni and cheese with half of the shredded cheese (Monterey Jack or Colby). This will melt into a gooey layer of cheese throughout the casserole.
Layer in the cooked chicken and cooked broccoli florets over the cheese. Distribute them evenly for a consistent flavor profile in each serving.
Cover the chicken and broccoli with the remaining macaroni and cheese. This creates the top layer of the casserole.
Pour the milk and egg mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. Ensure the entire surface is moistened.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the milk and egg mixture.
Top with the Italian breadcrumbs and then the crumbled bacon. The breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch, while the bacon provides a smoky, savory finish.
Place the lasagna pan in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated all the way through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The casserole should be golden brown on top. Insert a knife into the center to check if it’s heated through. If the knife comes out warm, it’s ready.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set slightly and prevents burning your mouth.

Expert Tips & Tricks

To prevent the breadcrumbs from burning, you can lightly tent the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses like cheddar and Gruyere along with the Monterey Jack or Colby.
If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the milk and egg mixture.
Make-ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole a day ahead of time, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Add the breadcrumbs and bacon just before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
To ensure the chicken is extra tender, marinate it in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the Mac-N-Cheese Chicken Broccoli Casserole warm as a main course. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of hot sauce for added visual appeal and flavor. It pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed green beans.

Storage:

Room Temperature: Do not leave the casserole at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

Oven: Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave on medium power until heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using either of the methods above.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	855.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	304 g	36%
Total Fat	33.8 g	51%
Saturated Fat	13.8 g	69%
Cholesterol	192.4 mg	64%
Sodium	1465.2 mg	61%
Total Carbohydrate	83.5 g	27%
Dietary Fiber	2.6 g	10%
Sugars	11.9 g	N/A
Protein	53 g	106%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add more broccoli or other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free macaroni and cheese and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the milk with almond or soy milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
Spicy Version: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the macaroni and cheese.
Deluxe Version: Add cooked lobster meat or shrimp for a more luxurious casserole.
Different Cheese: Use cheddar, Gruyere, or pepper jack cheese for a different flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the breadcrumbs and bacon just before baking.

Q: What can I substitute for the Monterey Jack or Colby cheese?
A: You can use cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Q: My breadcrumbs are burning. What can I do?
A: Tent the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent the breadcrumbs from burning.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Mac-N-Cheese Chicken Broccoli Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create memories and share comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply treating yourself, this dish is sure to satisfy. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and make it your own. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback! Serve it with a crisp glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!

Mac-N-Cheese Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe