Enjoy this easy skillet dinner - it's sure to be a family favorite!
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❤️ Why you'll love it
- Creamy macaroni is kicked up a notch with salsa verde and chicken.
- Perfect for busy weeknights, as it takes just under 30 minutes to make.
- The mild heat from the salsa paired with the sharp cheddar cheese makes this flavorful dish a delight to eat.
Homemade macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort meal for the whole family, and this spicy chicken mac and cheese takes things to the next level. Plus, it can be served either on its own or with a side salad or leftover roasted veggies, so it's a great option any day of the week!
🧾 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
🔪 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.
- Cube the chicken breasts.
- Add the seasoning and toss to coat.
- While cooking the pasta according to the package directions, add the chicken to a heavy frying pan.
- Cook chicken until done and remove to another dish. Set aside.
- In the same pan, whisk melted butter and flour.
- Add the evaporated milk and cook until thickened into a creamy sauce.
- Whisk in the cheese and salsa Verde.
- Stir in the cooked rotini and chicken and serve.
🥫 Storage
With a meal this delicious, even the picky eaters will ask for seconds. If you happen to have leftovers, this chicken mac and cheese casserole recipe will taste even better the next day.
Refrigerator Storage: The leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Once it has cooled, move the leftovers to an airtight container.
Freezer Storage: Salsa verde chicken mac and cheese is a great dish to make ahead of time and freeze for future meals. Prepare as instructed, allow the cheese sauce to cool completely, and portion into airtight containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to three months.
To reheat, remove the leftovers from the refrigerator and warm them on the stove or in the microwave. If reheating from the freezer, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop over medium heat.
📖 Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. If you are in a hurry, you can use fully-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- If you want a traditional mac and cheese look, skip the rotini and use elbow macaroni noodles.
- Substitute the salsa verde for your favorite salsa.
- Want it with more spice? Add a little bit of hot sauce or buffalo sauce to make buffalo chicken mac.
- Add crispy bacon or pancetta for extra flavor and crunch.
- Use Mozzarella cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, or a Mexican blend instead of Monterey jack to give it an even cheesier flavor. Adding Parmesan cheese adds another layer of flavor.
- Substitute the chicken for chorizo for some extra spice.
- To make it even more delicious, add a layer of buttered panko bread crumbs on top before baking.
- Add chopped bell peppers, jalapenos, or other vegetables.
- For added color, top the dish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions or diced tomatoes.
Have you tried my Rotel chicken spaghetti, yet? It's SO good and a reader favorite.
💭 Things to know
Expert Tip: Make sure to cook the noodles al dente. Over-cooked noodles will not hold up in this recipe.
- Use freshly grated cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
- Stir in an additional tablespoon of butter at the end to give it an extra creamy texture.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat or no-fat cheese and swap the cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend and give you a perfect creamy texture.
👩🍳 FAQs
Absolutely. Kids will love the mild heat from the salsa and the sharpness of the cheddar cheese. If your kids don't like too much spice, you can always substitute the salsa verde with a milder version.
It's easy to make this into a vegetarian or even vegan dish. Just skip the chicken and use extra cheese or veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, jalapenos, or zucchini. You can also use vegan cheese, vegan butter, and an evaporated milk substitute to make it dairy-free.
Absolutely. Spicy chicken mac and cheese makes a great side dish to any main course meal. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or a salad for a complete meal.
Yes, you can certainly substitute full-fat cheese with a lower-fat version. The flavor and texture may be slightly different, but it will still taste delicious.
📚 Related recipes
- This Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe is like a trip down memory lane. With its tender macaroni, buttery breadcrumbs, and luscious strings of gooey cheese, each spoonful of the creamy, comforting dish will transport you to days gone by.
- Angel Chicken Mac & Cheese is the perfect way to transform your family's beloved Angel Chicken into a delectable dish the whole crew will adore. The creamy chicken recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
- Southern Crockpot Mac & Cheese is a southern classic that is made even easier by using the slow cooker. No precooking is required on this creamy family favorite.
🍽️ Serve with...
📞 The last word
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spicy Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
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Ingredients
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Instructions
- Cook the pasta in boiling, salted water until done.
- Drain.
- Set aside.
- Season the chicken with salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a heavy frying pan.
- Add the chicken and cook until the chicken is 160F in the center.
- Remove the chicken from the frying pan and set aside.
- Melt the butter in the heavy frying pan.
- Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes.
- Add the evaporated milk and whisk until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Simmer, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens.
- Add the cheese and stir until smooth.
- Add the salsa verde and cumin.
- Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Stir the chicken into the sauce.
- Finally stir in the rotini pasta and the cilantro.
- Sprinkle with more cilantro before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the noodles al dente. Over-cooked noodles will not hold up in this recipe.
- Use freshly grated cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
- Stir in an additional tablespoon of butter at the end to give it an extra creamy texture.
- For a healthier option, use low-fat or no-fat cheese and swap the cream with plain Greek yogurt.
- Let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to blend and give you a perfect creamy texture.
Nutrition Facts
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We'll never share your email or send you spam. Pinkie swear.First published November 14, 2016. Last updated December 22, 2022 for better images and readability plus more tips.
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