Spicy Chicken & Cheesy Mac Casserole
Looking for a bold twist on a classic comfort food? Try this Spicy Chicken & Cheesy Mac Casserole—a one-pot wonder that brings fiery flavor and creamy goodness together in just a few easy steps! With pantry staples and some fresh ingredients, you'll create a hearty meal that pleases the whole family. This dish is versatile, allowing you to swap chicken for ham for a different flavor profile. You can even enhance the freshness with vibrant herbs, spices, and veggies like bell peppers, garlic, or even green peas. Ditch the countless dishes! This simple, satisfying dish is a celebration of kitchen creativity that will quickly become a favorite any night of the week.
4
Servings
300
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Canned tomatoes and green chilies
1 (10 ounce) can (drained)
Boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into bite-size pieces)
Macaroni shells and cheese mix
1 (12 ounce) package (n/a)
Sour cream
1/2 cup (n/a)
Cheddar cheese
1/2 cup (shredded)
Instructions
1
1. Begin by spraying a large skillet with cooking spray, then place it over medium-high heat.
2
2. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, sautéing them for about 5 minutes or until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
3
3. While the chicken is cooking, drain the liquid from the can of tomatoes and green chilies into a 2-cup liquid measuring cup. Add enough hot water to measure a total of 1-3/4 cups.
4
4. Once the chicken is cooked, incorporate the macaroni shells, drained tomatoes, and the tomato liquid mixture into the skillet. Stir everything together well.
5
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for 9 to 10 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and cooked through.
6
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cheese sauce from the mac and cheese package along with the sour cream. Mix until thoroughly blended and creamy.
7
7. Top the dish with shredded cheddar cheese, then cover the skillet to allow the cheese to melt for approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
8
8. Serve hot, garnished with options like fresh herbs, diced vegetables, or additional cheese if desired.
9
9. Enjoy the delightful medley of flavors and textures, and feel free to experiment with your favorite ingredients!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
35g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Chicken & Cheesy Mac Casserole?
It is a one-pot comfort food dish that combines chicken, macaroni and cheese, and spicy green chilies for a bold flavor profile.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients needed?
The main ingredients include canned tomatoes and green chilies, boneless skinless chicken breast, macaroni shells and cheese mix, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken should be sautéed for approximately 5 minutes until it is no longer pink.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can swap the chicken for ham for a different flavor profile.
Is this a one-pot meal?
Yes, the entire dish is prepared in a single large skillet, minimizing cleanup.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for a 12-ounce package of macaroni shells and cheese mix.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains 300 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides 22.5 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this recipe?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving has 35 grams of carbohydrates.
What size can of tomatoes and green chilies is required?
You will need one 10-ounce can.
Should the tomatoes and chilies be drained?
Yes, drain them into a measuring cup and then add hot water to the liquid to reach 1-3/4 cups.
When do I add the macaroni shells?
Incorporate the shells after the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink.
How long does the macaroni need to simmer?
Simmer for 9 to 10 minutes or until the macaroni is tender.
When should I add the cheese sauce and sour cream?
Remove the skillet from the heat before stirring in the cheese sauce and sour cream.
What cheese is used for the topping?
Top the casserole with 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
How long does it take for the cheese topping to melt?
Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt for 1 to 2 minutes.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Yes, you can enhance the dish with bell peppers, garlic, or green peas.
What are some suggested garnishes?
You can garnish with fresh herbs, diced vegetables, or additional cheese.
Is this dish considered spicy?
Yes, the inclusion of green chilies gives the casserole a fiery flavor.
Do I need to cook the macaroni separately?
No, the macaroni cooks directly in the skillet with the tomato liquid and chicken.
What heat setting should I use for sautéing the chicken?
Use medium-high heat to sauté the bite-sized chicken pieces.
What heat setting is used for simmering the pasta?
Once the mixture boils, reduce the heat to medium-low for simmering.
How much sour cream is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sour cream.
Is this recipe quick and easy to make?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick, satisfying meal using pantry staples.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
The recipe specifically calls for canned tomatoes and green chilies for flavor and liquid, but you could adapt it with fresh ingredients and extra liquid.
Does this recipe contain fiber?
The specific fiber content is not listed in the nutritional information.
Is this a family-friendly meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty meal that pleases the whole family.
What should I do if I want more liquid in the sauce?
You can adjust the consistency by adding a splash more hot water or milk during the final mixing phase.