Mexican mac and cheese with chicken is a delightful twist on the classic comfort food, combining the flavors of Mexican cuisine with the creamy goodness of mac and cheese. This dish features tender chicken, a rich and flavorful sauce, and a cheesy, bubbly top layer. The combination of spices, such as chili powder, cumin, and paprika, adds a unique and zesty flavor to the dish, while the chicken provides a hearty and satisfying protein base. The mac and cheese base is made with a blend of cheeses, typically cheddar and mozzarella, creating a smooth and gooey texture. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish to impress your friends and family, Mexican mac and cheese with chicken is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
MEXICAN MAC-N-CHEESE
Provided by Food Network
Categories side-dish
Time 1h45m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Add the butter, corn, onions, red peppers, garlic and 1 teaspoon of salt to a medium saucepot set over medium-high heat. Saute until the onions are translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the cumin, chile powder, cayenne pepper and flour and cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, to make a roux, 3 to 4 minutes. Pour in the cold milk in a steady stream, stirring vigorously until the mixture is smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring often, until starting to thicken, 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack. Cook until the sauce is smooth and creamy, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the scallions, pepper and rigatoni and mix well to combine.
- Pour the into a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. Sprinkle the panko evenly over the top and cover with foil. Bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling. Remove to a cooling rack and let rest for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Garnish with the cotija, jalapeno and cilantro. Serve immediately.
MACARONI AND CHEESY CHICKEN BAKED CASSEROLE
Take your mac and cheese weeknight dinner to a whole new level with this veggie-kissed casserole. The crunchy cheese and bread crumb topping makes a perfect finish for the creamy filling.
Provided by By Brooke Lark
Categories Entree
Time 1h5m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oven to 375°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain macaroni as directed on package, using minimum cook time.
- In 5-quart Dutch oven, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Beat in flour, onion salt, garlic salt and pepper with whisk until thickened. Cook 1 minute longer. Beat in milk. Heat to boiling over high heat, stirring frequently; boil and stir 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in 3 cups of the cheese until melted. Stir in macaroni, chicken and frozen broccoli. Pour into baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese on top.
- In small bowl, mix bread crumbs and melted butter; stir until combined. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture.
- Bake 33 to 36 minutes or until mixture is bubbly (at least 165°F in center) and bread crumbs are browned.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 550, Carbohydrate 44 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 2 g, Protein 28 g, SaturatedFat 16 g, ServingSize About 1 1/4 cups, Sodium 720 mg, Sugar 6 g, TransFat 1 g
CHICKEN FAJITA MACARONI AND CHEESE
This Tex-Mex twist on macaroni and cheese is packed full of fajita flavor and plenty of cheese.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 1h5m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
- Meanwhile, in Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center. Stir in bell pepper, chiles and onion; cook about 2 minutes longer or until onions just start to soften. Add taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Transfer to bowl, and reserve.
- In 4-cup glass measuring cup, mix milk and whipping cream. Return Dutch oven to medium heat; melt butter in Dutch oven. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds, stirring frequently. With whisk, stir in flour and salt until smooth. Cook and stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually stir in milk mixture. Increase heat to medium-high; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; reduce heat to medium. Stir in cheeses. Cook until melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in pasta and reserved chicken mixture. Remove from heat. Pour mixture into baking dish.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until sauce is bubbly. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips and green onions on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 530, Carbohydrate 43 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Fat 3 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 720 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 1 g
CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE
My Chicken Mac and Cheese is perfectly saucy, made with both stretchy mozzarella and sharp cheddar. It's the comfort meal you've been craving! Try is straight out of the pot, or follow my easy additional instructions to bake it.
Provided by Joanna Cismaru
Categories Dinner
Time 50m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to keep the pasta from sticking together. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- In the same skillet add the onions and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until aromatic. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir. Cook for another minute. Whisk in the milk and dried mustard. Add the mozzarella, cheddar cheese and stir it in. Continue to cook until the cheese has melted.
- Add the chicken and pasta to the skillet and stir everything together. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 545 kcal, Carbohydrate 38 g, Protein 40 g, Fat 25 g, SaturatedFat 12 g, Cholesterol 107 mg, Sodium 640 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 6 g, ServingSize 1 serving
MEXICAN MAC AND CHEESE WITH CHICKEN
I love mexican food and this is the perfect mexican mac and cheese- complete with tender bites of chicken to make it a meal in itself.
Provided by stonecoldcrazy
Categories Chicken
Time 15m
Yield 3-4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until it is al dente.
- In butter, saute the peppers, onion and garlic and cook until veggies are softened and fragrant.
- Add chicken to pan.
- Stir in the adobo powder, flour, chili powder and cumin.
- Stir and cook until chicken is browned.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and simmer until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add parsley.
- Stir in all of the cheese until melted.
- Pour into greased casserole dish and bake uncovered for 10-15 minutes or until bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1115.2, Fat 36.9, SaturatedFat 21.8, Cholesterol 159.6, Sodium 1521.5, Carbohydrate 132.2, Fiber 6.4, Sugar 8.9, Protein 61.2
MEMPHIS-STYLE CHICKEN MAC 'N CHEESE
A classic creamy mac 'n cheese dish from Julie Wampler of Table For Two that's amped up with flavor from incorporating Memphis-style chicken throughout!
Provided by Reynolds Kitchens(R)
Categories Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips Reynolds®
Time 1h5m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Preheat grill to medium-high.
- Whisk all the ingredients for the Memphis-style rub in a small bowl and set aside.
- Place 2 to 3 chicken thighs on a large 12x18-inch piece of Reynolds Wrap® Non-Stick Foil. Generously sprinkle Memphis-style rub on all sides of the chicken, gently pressing it down.
- Wrap up the chicken thighs in the foil. Repeat with the remaining chicken thighs.
- Place foil-wrapped chicken thighs onto the grill.
- Cover the grill and grill the chicken thighs for 15 to 20 minutes (longer or shorter depending on thickness of chicken) until tender and juices run clear or meat thermometer reads 165 degrees F. After the chicken is cooked through, carefully place the foil packet on a large plate. Carefully open foil with a pair of tongs and then, if desired, place chicken thighs directly onto grill to get nice grill marks and some char.
- Let chicken thighs rest for 15 to 20 minutes or until cool enough to handle. Chop chicken into pieces.
- Boil a pot of water, add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes depending on the pasta shape you use. Drain.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Whisk in flour and chicken broth. Let thicken for 3 to 5 minutes. Add cheeses to the skillet and stir with a spatula until melted and smooth.
- Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to incorporate.
- Add the chicken pieces to the mac 'n cheese and stir to incorporate. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 665.1 calories, Carbohydrate 36.6 g, Cholesterol 180.7 mg, Fat 36.9 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 48 g, SaturatedFat 17 g, Sodium 1179.6 mg, Sugar 3.7 g
MEXICAN MACARONI AND CHEESE
An easy to fix meal using your left over macaroni and cheese made into something new. It is a huge family favorite at my house! I made this up one day trying to figure out something for dinner and all I had was leftover macaroni and cheese and just threw some things together into a fantastic meal.
Provided by Cre8tive Kitchen
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 50m
Yield 6-8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Break up the tortilla chips until you have between 1-2 cups depending on how much crunch you want in your meal.
- Cook the hamburger and drain the fat; make the taco meat according to the package directions.
- In a bowl, mix the leftover macaroni and cheese, taco meat, tomatoes or salsa, and the olives (set aside some olives for the top). Set aside.
- Spray a large baking dish (8x13 rectangle) with cooking spray and layer the broken tortilla chips on the bottom;.
- top with the macaroni mixture;.
- top with shredded cheese and olives.
- bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until cheese is browned and bubbly.
- Top with sour cream, tomatoes, salsa, or lettuce as desired after meal is cooked.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 274.8, Fat 19.5, SaturatedFat 9.8, Cholesterol 78.9, Sodium 415.5, Carbohydrate 3.1, Fiber 0.2, Sugar 0.1, Protein 21.3
ONE-POT CHICKEN ENCHILADA MAC AND CHEESE
Have some leftover chicken that you don't know what to do with? Transform it into a cheesy and comforting one-pot dinner sensation. Garnish with your favorite enchilada toppings if desired.
Provided by Soup Loving Nicole
Categories World Cuisine Recipes Latin American Mexican
Time 40m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Combine enchilada sauce, half-and-half, and green chiles in the same pot over medium heat and cook until warm, 5 to 10 minutes. Slowly add Cheddar cheese and pepperjack cheese and whisk continuously until melted, about 5 minutes. Return cooked macaroni to the pot. Add chicken and cilantro and stir until combined and heated through, about 5 minutes more.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 582.4 calories, Carbohydrate 47.9 g, Cholesterol 103.8 mg, Fat 29.7 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 29.8 g, SaturatedFat 16.3 g, Sodium 701 mg, Sugar 2.4 g
CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE BY TASTY
This quick and easy one-pot recipe is sure to be a dinner favorite. Chicken and pasta are smothered in a creamy, cheesy sun-dried tomato and garlic sauce. Some of the ingredients are customizable-don't have kale? Use baby spinach. No milk? Use half and half. Throw in your favorite pasta and cheeses and enjoy this melt-in-your-mouth meal!
Provided by Andrew Pollock
Categories Dinner
Time 55m
Yield 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, then transfer to a large bowl, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the chicken and cook, flipping halfway, until golden brown on both sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C), about 12 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly, then chop into ½-inch cubes.
- In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes. Carefully pour in the white wine. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then simmer until the liquid has fully evaporated, 2-3 minutes. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir to incorporate.
- Sprinkle in the flour and stir until the vegetables are fully coated. Cook for 2 minutes, until the flour is golden brown and smells nutty. Add the milk, oregano, remaining ½ teaspoon salt, remaining ¼ teaspoon pepper, and the kale. Cook, stirring often, until the kale has wilted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Add the mozzarella, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses and stir until fully melted and incorporated, about 2 minutes. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir until well coated in the sauce. Stir in the chicken.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the mac and cheese with the parsley and serve immediately with more Parmesan cheese for topping.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 667 calories, Carbohydrate 68 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 5 grams, Protein 42 grams, Sugar 16 grams
MEXICAN MACARONI AND CHEESE
For a classic casserole with a little more grown-up taste, give our Test Kitchen's zesty macaroni and cheese a try.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 35m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat; stir in lime juice. Stir in 1-1/2 cups cheddar cheese and 1 cup pepper Jack cheese until melted. , Remove from the heat. Stir in the jalapeno, chili powder and salt. Drain macaroni; add to cheese sauce and toss to coat. , Transfer to a greased 8-in. square baking dish. Top with remaining cheeses; sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Nutrition Facts :
CHICKEN MAC & CHEESE
In my family, a stick-to-your-ribs supper has protein, pasta and a good cheese like cheddar. This loaded mac works like a charm at potlucks. -Cynthia Huff, Flora, Illinois
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 40m
Yield 12 servings (1 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions, adding broccoli during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Drain., Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, onion, salt and pepper; cook and stir 6-8 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Remove from pan., In same pan, melt butter. Stir in flour, paprika and cayenne until smooth; gradually whisk in milk and broth. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheese and mustard until cheese is melted., Add macaroni mixture and chicken to sauce. Heat through, stirring to combine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 374 calories, Fat 17g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 467mg sodium, Carbohydrate 34g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 22g protein.
Tips:
- Use a variety of cheeses. The blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and queso Oaxaca creates a rich and flavorful sauce. You can also add other cheeses, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or cotija, to taste.
- Don't overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is just cooked through, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Use a flavorful salsa. The salsa adds flavor and spice to the dish. Choose a salsa that you enjoy the taste of.
- Top with your favorite toppings. Some popular toppings for Mexican mac and cheese include sour cream, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
Conclusion:
Mexican mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken and a great dish to serve at a potluck or party. With its blend of cheese, chicken, and salsa, Mexican mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.
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