One-Pot Wonder: Boxed Mac and Cheese with Chicken & Veggies
Do you want a quick and delicious meal? Try this creamy mac and cheese with chicken and veggies. It is your new go-to. It comes together in one pot. It’s packed with flavor, protein, and nutrients while still delivering the comforting, cheesy goodness we all love. Perfect for a busy weeknight or when you need a satisfying dish without the fuss!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pot Meal – Less cleanup, more time to enjoy your food.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 15 minutes.
✔ Nutritious & Balanced – A great mix of protein, veggies, and creamy pasta.
✔ Customizable – Use whatever veggies or protein you have on hand!
Who knew that Boxed mac and cheese could be so good! I wanted to come up with some great new ideas using cheap supermarket boxed mac and cheese. This one is packed full of frozen veggies that I have prepared lately. I will link down below the videos that show you how I do it.
No matter how you choose to tweak this dish, it’s a fail-proof way to make dinner both nutritious and satisfying. The combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies makes every bite a delightful experience. Plus, with just one pot to clean up, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (205 g or 7-8 oz) of your favorite boxed mac and cheese
- 2 cups cooked and diced chicken (rotisserie or leftover works great!)
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, broccoli, corn or bell peppers)
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
- 1 diced onion
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- pinch of dried thyme (fresh if you have it)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- heaped tablespoon of sour cream (or cream cheese)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
Instructions
- cook the diced onion in 1 tbsp of oil or butter until tender
- empty the contents of your boxed mac and cheese into the sauce pan and add the milk and water
- add the mixed veggies,onion powder and garlic powder
- stir until combined and simmer on a medium heat for half the time recommended on your boxed mac and cheese packet
- while there is still some liquid, add the chicken, spinach and cheeses
- salt and pepper to taste
- cover the dish with either a pot lid or a piece of tin foil. Turn the heat down to the lowest setting. Cook until everything is heated through. The rest of the liquid should now be fully absorbed. Be careful not to over cook or burn the bottom of the mac and cheese. It must be on very low heat.
Customization Ideas:
- Swap the Protein – Use ground turkey, shrimp, or tofu for a different take.
- Make it Spicy – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Boost the Veggies – Stir in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
- Go Extra Cheesy – Add an extra handful of your favorite cheese blend for ultra-creamy mac.
This One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken & Veggies is the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. It’s a meal the whole family will love, and it’s easy to make with pantry staples. Give it a try tonight and let me know how you customize yours!
Other Links and Recipes
You can watch me make this recipe. The video is available on my YouTube channel. Cheap Meals | NEXT-LEVEL Boxed Mac and Cheese Recipes!
Try the Mac and Cheese for Breakfast? Yes, Please! it is in the same video as above. So make sure to go and watch it for more tips and tricks.
Here is the video showing you how I prepared my carrots, Freezing LOADS of CARROTS to Save Money
One-Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese with Chicken & Veggies
Ingredients
- 1 box 205 g or 7-8 oz of your favorite boxed mac and cheese
- 2 cups cooked and diced chicken rotisserie or leftover works great!
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, broccoli, corn or bell peppers
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups hot water
- 1 diced onion
- 1/2 cup frozen spinach
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- pinch of dried thyme fresh if you have it
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- heaped tablespoon of sour cream or cream cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite blend
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra depth of flavor
Instructions
- cook the diced onion in 1 tbsp of oil or butter until tender
- empty the contents of your boxed mac and cheese into the sauce pan and add the milk and water
- add the mixed veggies,onion powder and garlic powder
- stir until combined and simmer on a medium heat for half the time recommended on your boxed mac and cheese packet
- while there is still some liquid, add the chicken, spinach and cheeses
- salt and pepper to taste
- cover the dish with either a pot lid or a piece of tin foil. Turn the heat down to the lowest setting. Cook until everything is heated through. The rest of the liquid should now be fully absorbed. Be careful not to over cook or burn the bottom of the mac and cheese. It must be on very low heat.
