Spicy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese (30 Minute Recipe) - Restless Chipotle (2024)

Enjoy this easy skillet dinner - it's sure to be a family favorite! The homemade cheese sauce is over-the-top delicious.

🗝️ Key takeaways

• Homemade mac and cheese is kicked up a notch with salsa verde and chicken breast.
• This is one of those easy recipes that's perfect for busy weeknights since it takes just under 30 minutes to make.
• Evaporated milk is my secret to a creamy, perfect cheese sauce.

Creamy 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!

Are you looking for a spicy Buffalo Chicken pasta?

🧾 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.

📖Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. If you are in a hurry, you can use fully-cooked rotisserie chicken.
• You can use whole milk instead of evaporated if you need to.
• Use chipotle or Pepper Jack cheeses instead of the milder Monterey Jack cheese.
• 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.
• Add in a can of green chiles.
• 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.

🔪 Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page.

1. Cube the chicken breasts.
2. Add the seasoning and toss to coat.
3. While cooking the pasta according to the package directions, add the chicken to a heavy frying pan.
4. Cook chicken until done and remove to another dish. Set aside.

1. In the same pan, whisk melted butter and flour and cook for 2 minutes, whisking constantly. This is the roux.
2. Add the evaporated milk and cook until thickened into a creamy sauce.
3. Whisk in the cheese and salsa Verde. This creamy cheese sauce is delicious on vegetables, too.
4. 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 or cover them with plastic wrap.

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.

Reheat

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.

💭 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.
• This is a great recipe to use up leftover chicken!
• 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.

You might also want to try this easy, one pot chicken Alfredo with peas.

👩‍🍳 FAQs

• 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.
• is the perfect way to transform your family's beloved Angel Chicken into a delectable dish the whole crew will adore. The creamy chicken and mac & cheese is a similar recipe to this one and is sure to tantalize your taste buds.
• 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...

• Maple Roasted Carrots
• Broccoli and Cauliflower Salad
• Cornbread
• Garlic breadsticks
• Mexican Hot Chocolate Cupcakes

📞 The last word

This is a perfect weeknight meal for those chilly, dreary, drizzly days when you just need something warm and comforting - and preferably easy!

Another one of my favorite comfort foods is this chili mac - you won't believe how simple it is!

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.

If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

📖 Recipe

First published November 14, 2016. Last updated October 4, 2023, for editorial improvements.

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