What ingredients do I need to make White Chicken Chili Mac?

To make White Chicken Chili Mac, you need cooked chicken (shredded or diced), macaroni pasta, white beans (such as cannellini or Great Northern beans), chicken broth, green chilies, onions, garlic, and spices like cumin and oregano. Cream cheese or sour cream is often added for creaminess, along with shredded cheese such as Monterey Jack or cheddar. Fresh cilantro and lime juice can be used as garnishes. This combination creates a hearty, creamy dish with a mild spicy flavor.

How long does it take to cook White Chicken Chili Mac?

White Chicken Chili Mac typically takes about 30 to 40 minutes to prepare and cook. This includes 10–15 minutes to cook the macaroni pasta, 15–20 minutes to simmer the chili base with chicken and beans, and a few minutes to combine and melt the cheese. Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken can reduce prep time, making it a convenient weeknight meal.

Can I make White Chicken Chili Mac ahead of time and reheat it?

Yes, White Chicken Chili Mac can be made ahead and reheated without losing flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, stir gently and add a splash of broth or water to prevent the dish from drying out. It can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

How can I make White Chicken Chili Mac spicier or milder?

To adjust the spice level, add or reduce ingredients like diced green chilies, jalapeños, or chili powder. For a milder dish, use mild green chilies and reduce added spices. To increase heat, incorporate diced fresh jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Always taste as you go to reach your preferred spice balance without overwhelming the creamy base.

What are good side dishes to serve with White Chicken Chili Mac?

White Chicken Chili Mac pairs well with fresh, light sides that complement its rich, creamy texture. Consider serving it with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or cornbread for a comforting touch. A side of avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream also adds freshness and balances the dish’s flavors effectively.

White Chicken Chili Mac One Pot Recipe For Easy Meals

Name: White Chicken Chili Mac
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 2 tablespoons butter; – 1 whole onion; – 1 pound chicken breasts; – 4 garlic cloves; – 2 poblano peppers; – 1 teaspoon cumin; – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; – 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; – 4 cups broth; – 4 ounces cream cheese; – 1 can white beans; – 4 ounces salsa verde; – 1/2 cup diced green chilies; – 1 pound elbow macaroni; – 2 cups shredded cheese mix (such as colby, cheddar, and pepper jack); – Fresh cilantro for garnish; – Green onions for garnish

Description

🍲 White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese combines the creamy comfort of mac and cheese with zesty white chili flavors for a satisfying one-pot meal.
🌶️ This recipe is perfect for those seeking an easy, flavorful dinner that balances spice, protein, and cheesy goodness in every bite.

Ingredients

– 2 tablespoons butter

– 1 whole onion

– 1 pound chicken breasts

– 4 garlic cloves

– 2 poblano peppers

– 1 teaspoon cumin

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon chili powder

– 4 cups broth

– 4 ounces cream cheese

– 1 can white beans

– 4 ounces salsa verde

– 1/2 cup diced green chilies

– 1 pound elbow macaroni

– 2 cups shredded cheese mix (such as colby, cheddar, and pepper jack)

– Fresh cilantro for garnish

– Green onions for garnish

Instructions

1-Preheat your oven to 425°F for that perfect bubbly finish. The process is straightforward and fun, taking about 55 minutes total to get a meal that’s packed with flavor. You’ll sauté onions and chicken breasts in melted butter over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, building that savory base everyone loves.

2-Add garlic, chopped poblano peppers, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 5 minutes until everything smells amazing. Pour in the broth, partially cover, and simmer on medium-low for 5-10 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Remove the chicken, shred it, and set it aside while you add elbow macaroni and 2 cups water to the pot. Bring it to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes until the pasta is al dente, stirring often to avoid sticking.

3-Mixing and Baking Steps Once the pasta is ready, stir in the cream cheese until it’s smooth and creamy. Then, fold in the shredded chicken, white beans, salsa verde, diced green chilies, and 1 cup of the cheese mix, letting it all meld together. Remove from heat, top with the remaining cheese, and bake for 5-10 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce bubbles beautifully. Serve it up garnished with fresh cilantro and green onions for a fresh pop.

Notes

🌶️ Adjust heat by omitting poblano peppers and green chilies for milder flavor.
🥬 Add spinach or kale near the end for extra color and nutrition.
❄️ Leftover portions freeze well; thaw and reheat gently for best results.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 703
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 900 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 70 g
Fiber: 8 g
Protein: 45 g
Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: white chicken chili, mac and cheese, one pot meal, creamy chili mac