Green Chili Chicken Mac

Green Chili Chicken Mac is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights, blending the nostalgic creaminess of classic mac and cheese with the vibrant, smoky flavors of the American Southwest. This one-skillet wonder is packed with tender chicken and melty Monterey Jack cheese, making it a satisfying main dish that the whole family will love.

Pin It

The secret to this dish lies in the smooth cheese sauce, infused with cumin and smoked paprika, which perfectly complements the mild heat of the diced chiles. It is a hearty meal that transforms simple pantry staples into a gourmet-style comfort feast right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
• Chicken: 2 cups (about 300 g) cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• Sauce: 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter, 2 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour, 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk, 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste), 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Chiles & Cheese: 2 cans (4 oz/113 g each) mild diced green chiles (drained), 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese, 1 cup (115 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• Garnish (optional): 1/4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro, 1 jalapeño (thinly sliced)

Instructions

Step 1

Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.

Step 3

Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 4

Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 5

Add Monterey Jack, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until smooth and fully melted.

Step 6

Fold in the green chiles and cooked chicken. Simmer for 2 minutes to heat through.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni, stirring until well coated and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 8

Remove from heat. Garnish with cilantro and sliced jalapeño if desired. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Using a rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken can significantly cut down on prep time. For the smoothest sauce, ensure you add the milk gradually while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For those who prefer a spicier kick, use hot diced green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. Swapping Monterey Jack for pepper Jack cheese also adds a wonderful extra zest to the dish.

Serviervorschläge

This rich and creamy pasta pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to balance the meal. Serve it immediately while the cheese is at its meltiest for the best experience.

Pin It

Enjoy this comforting Green Chili Chicken Mac as a new staple in your recipe rotation. It is the perfect balance of creamy texture and Southwestern flair that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?

Yes, absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves preparation time. Shred or dice it to your preferred size and follow the same cooking instructions. You'll get the same delicious results with added flavor.

→ How do I make this spicier?

For more heat, substitute hot green chiles for mild ones, or use pepper Jack cheese instead of Monterey Jack. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce or include more sliced jalapeños as garnish for customizable spice levels.

→ What pasta shapes work best for this dish?

Elbow macaroni is traditional, but small pasta shells, ditalini, or penne work equally well. Choose shapes that hold sauce nicely and are easy to eat. Avoid very long pasta like spaghetti, as they don't coat as evenly in creamy dishes.

→ Can I prepare this ahead and reheat it?

Yes, this dish reheats well. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened. Avoid high heat, which can cause the cheese to become grainy.

→ What side dishes pair well with this?

A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers add nutrition and freshness. Garlic bread or steamed corn are also excellent accompaniments for a complete meal.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze this for up to two months in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly on the stovetop. You may need to add milk to restore the creamy consistency after thawing.