Green Chili Chicken Mac

Experience a comforting, creamy skillet macaroni that brings a Southwestern-inspired twist to your dinner table. This Green Chili Chicken Mac features tender chicken and a blend of melty cheeses, making it a perfect easy-to-prepare main dish for any night of the week.

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By utilizing simple pantry staples like elbow macaroni and chicken broth alongside aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cumin, you can create a restaurant-quality meal at home. This dish serves four and is classified as an easy-to-follow American-Southwestern fusion.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
• 2 cups (about 300 g) cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 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
• 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
• 1/4 cup (10 g) chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

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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

For the smoothest sauce, ensure you add the milk and chicken broth gradually while whisking constantly. To save time during preparation, rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works exceptionally well in this recipe.

Varianten und Anpassungen

If you prefer a spicier version, use hot green chiles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. You can also swap Monterey Jack for pepper Jack cheese to give the dish an extra zest and a more pronounced kick.

Serviervorschläge

Serve this Green Chili Chicken Mac hot from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted vegetables to balance the creamy, cheesy texture of the pasta.

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With its blend of comforting pasta and flavorful Southwestern ingredients, this skillet mac and cheese is sure to become a household favorite. Garnish with fresh cilantro and jalapeños to bring a final touch of brightness to every plate.

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Recipe FAQ

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

Yes, rotisserie or grilled chicken works wonderfully. Simply shred or dice it to match the quantity called for. This saves prep time and adds excellent flavor.

→ How do I make this spicier?

Use hot green chiles instead of mild, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce, or include thinly sliced jalapeños as garnish. You can also substitute pepper Jack cheese for Monterey Jack for extra heat.

→ What can I serve alongside this dish?

A crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli complement this dish beautifully. Garlic bread or cornbread would also pair nicely for a complete meal.

→ Can I make this ahead and reheat it?

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

→ What's the purpose of making a roux before adding the milk?

The butter and flour roux creates a base that thickens the milk and broth, resulting in a creamy, velvety sauce without lumps. This technique ensures a smooth, luxurious texture throughout.

→ Are there dairy-free substitutions available?

You can substitute dairy-free butter, gluten-free flour, unsweetened plant milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. However, this will alter the traditional flavor profile and texture of the dish.