Save to Pinterest This Green Chili Chicken Mac is a comforting, creamy skillet macaroni that brings a flavorful Southwestern-inspired twist to the classic mac and cheese. By combining tender diced chicken with mild green chiles and a rich, multi-cheese sauce, this dish offers a satisfying and easy-to-prepare meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
Save to Pinterest What sets this recipe apart is the velvety texture of the cheese sauce and the savory contrast provided by the diced chicken and green chiles. It is a hearty, one-pan style dish that transforms simple pantry staples into a gourmet-style comfort meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
- Chicken: 2 cups (about 300 g) cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- Butter & Flour: 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter and 2 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour
- Liquids: 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk and 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- Spices: 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), and 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, and 1/4 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Garnish (optional): 1/4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro and 1 thinly sliced jalapeño
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 large skillet ensures you have enough room to fold the pasta into the cheese sauce effectively. Make sure to use a whisk when incorporating the milk and chicken broth into the roux to create a perfectly smooth, lump-free base for your sauce.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a spicier version, use hot green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also swap Monterey Jack for pepper Jack cheese for extra zest. If you are short on time, rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works beautifully in this dish.
Serviervorschläge
This Green Chili Chicken Mac is best served hot immediately after preparation. To round out the meal, pair it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced and delicious dinner.
Save to Pinterest Whether you are serving a hungry family or looking for a comforting meal for yourself, this Green Chili Chicken Mac is a dependable and flavorful recipe that combines the best of Southwestern flavors with the timeless appeal of macaroni and cheese.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen chicken for this dish?
Yes, thaw frozen chicken completely before cooking. You can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience, which saves time on preparation and adds great flavor to the final dish.
- → What type of green chiles work best?
Mild canned diced green chiles are standard for this preparation. For more heat, substitute hot green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne powder. Fresh roasted green chiles can also be used if available.
- → Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the entire dish and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
- → What cheese substitutions work well?
Pepper Jack cheese adds extra zest instead of Monterey Jack. For milder flavors, use Gruyère. Avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents if possible for smoother melting.
- → How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?
Whisk the flour into butter thoroughly to create a smooth roux before adding milk. Add milk gradually while whisking constantly. Keep heat at medium and avoid boiling once cheese is added.
- → What side dishes pair well with this main?
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus complement it nicely. Cornbread or garlic bread are also excellent choices.