Description
Spicy Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese made with tender chicken, smoky chipotle peppers, and a rich creamy cheese sauce for a bold and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
12 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely chopped
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick, then drain and set aside without overcooking it
2. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir continuously for about 1–2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste. This step removes the raw flour taste and creates the base for a creamy sauce
3. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once the mixture starts to thicken, add the heavy cream and continue stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and slightly thick
4. Reduce the heat to low and begin adding the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese gradually. Stir after each addition so the cheese melts evenly and the sauce stays creamy instead of separating
5. Add the chopped chipotle peppers, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well and taste before adding more chipotle, since the heat can build quickly
6. Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce and stir until everything is evenly coated. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a small amount of milk to loosen it
7. Remove from heat and let it sit for a minute before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs for a lighter finish
Notes
Always add cheese gradually and keep the heat low while melting it. High heat or adding too much cheese at once can cause the sauce to turn grainy instead of smooth
If your sauce becomes too thick, don’t panic. Add a small splash of milk or reserved pasta water and stir gently until it reaches the right consistency again
Chipotle peppers vary in heat depending on the brand, so start with a smaller amount and increase gradually to match your preference instead of adding everything at once
Using freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese makes a noticeable difference because it melts more smoothly and creates a better texture
When reheating leftovers, always add a bit of milk or cream and warm slowly while stirring. This helps bring the sauce back to life and prevents it from drying out or separating
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 38g
Keywords: Spicy Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese