Best White Chicken Chili Mac – Quick & Delicious!

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Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Posted on January 22, 2025

When it comes to comfort food, it’s hard to choose between creamy, cheesy mac and cheese and zesty, hearty white chicken chili. But what if you didn’t have to choose? Enter White Chicken Chili Mac, a fusion dish that combines the best of both worlds. This recipe brings together the rich, velvety texture of mac and cheese with the bold, mildly spiced flavors of white chicken chili, creating a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with flavor.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even meal prepping, this dish is a one-pot wonder that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a dish that will wow guests, White Chicken Chili Mac is the ultimate go-to meal.

Why You’ll Love White Chicken Chili Mac

1. A Unique and Flavorful Twist on Comfort Food

White Chicken Chili Mac takes two beloved comfort food dishes and blends them into one irresistible meal. The creamy cheese sauce coats every bite of pasta, while the spiced chicken, white beans, and green chilies add a delicious chili-inspired kick. The result is a dish that’s rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying.

2. A One-Pot Meal for Easy Cleanup

Nobody wants to spend hours washing dishes after dinner. This dish comes together in just one pot, meaning less mess and more convenience. Everything, from the pasta to the cheese sauce and chili ingredients, is cooked in the same pot, making cleanup a breeze.

3. Packed with Protein and Creamy Goodness

With shredded chicken, white beans, and cheese, this dish is loaded with protein, making it not just delicious but also a filling, well-rounded meal. The combination of ingredients ensures that each bite is packed with texture, flavor, and nutrients.

4. Easily Customizable to Fit Your Tastes

One of the best things about this dish is its versatility. Whether you want to make it spicier, creamier, or even gluten-free, there are plenty of ways to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

White Chicken Chili Mac stores well and reheats beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, meaning leftovers often taste even better the next day.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese Base:

Elbow macaroni or small shell pasta – 12 oz
Shredded cooked chicken – 2 cups
Chicken broth – 2 cups
Milk – 2 cups
Heavy cream – 1 cup
Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons
All-purpose flour – 2 tablespoons
Shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups
Shredded Monterey Jack cheese – 1 cup

For the Chili Flavor:

Diced green chilies (canned, 4 oz) – 1 can
White beans (cannellini or great northern, drained and rinsed, 15 oz) – 1 can
Ground cumin – 1 teaspoon
Chili powder – 1 teaspoon
Garlic powder – ½ teaspoon
Salt and black pepper – To taste

Optional Toppings:

Chopped fresh cilantro
Diced avocado
Sour cream
Crumbled tortilla chips

Directions

Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Base
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually add chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps. Then pour in milk and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
Add the Chili Flavors
- Stir in diced green chilies, white beans, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
Melt the Cheese
- Reduce heat to low and gradually add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
Combine Everything
- Add cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the pot, stirring to coat everything in the cheese sauce.
Serve and Garnish
- Spoon into bowls and top with cilantro, avocado, sour cream, or tortilla chips as desired. Serve immediately.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx. 1 Cup)

Calories – 420
Protein – 28g
Fat – 18g
Carbohydrates – 36g
Fiber – 4g
Sugar – 5g

Secrets to Making the Best White Chicken Chili Mac

1. Use Freshly Grated Cheese for a Smooth Sauce

Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents, which can result in a gritty or clumpy texture when melted. For the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce, always grate your own cheese from a block.

2. Slightly Undercook the Pasta

Since the pasta continues to absorb the sauce after it’s combined, cooking it slightly under al dente prevents it from becoming too soft.

3. Balance the Spices

White Chicken Chili Mac should have just the right amount of warmth without overpowering the creamy cheese sauce. A combination of cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder gives it depth, while green chilies add a subtle heat.

4. Adjust the Heat Level to Your Liking

If you love a spicy kick, consider adding:

Diced jalapeños
A pinch of cayenne pepper
A few dashes of hot sauce

For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili powder or use mild green chilies.

5. Stir in the Cheese Gradually

To prevent a grainy sauce, lower the heat before adding the cheese and stir it in gradually. This ensures a smooth, velvety texture instead of a clumpy or separated sauce.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili Mac

1. As a Standalone Meal

This dish is hearty and satisfying on its own, but adding toppings can take it to the next level. Try:

Chopped fresh cilantro for brightness
Diced avocado for a creamy contrast
A dollop of sour cream for extra richness
Crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch

2. With a Simple Side Salad

Pairing this dish with a light, crisp salad helps balance the richness of the cheese sauce. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works well.

3. With Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls

A side of warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls is perfect for scooping up the cheesy, flavorful sauce.

4. As a Casserole

For a fun twist, transfer the dish to a baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Variations and Customizations

1. Make It a Vegetarian Dish

Skip the chicken and add:

More beans (black beans or kidney beans work well, too)
Roasted corn
Diced bell peppers or mushrooms

2. Swap the Protein

Instead of shredded chicken, try:

Ground turkey or beef for a heartier version
Shredded pork for a Tex-Mex-inspired twist

3. Lighten It Up

For a lighter version, substitute:

Half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream
Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein
Low-fat cheese options

4. Try a Different Pasta Shape

While elbow macaroni and shells work well, you can also use:

Penne
Cavatappi
Fusilli

How to Store and Reheat White Chicken Chili Mac

1. Storing Leftovers

Let the dish cool completely before storing.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

2. Freezing Instructions

While the dish can be frozen, the cheese sauce may slightly separate.
To freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
When reheating, add a splash of milk and stir well to bring back the creamy consistency.

3. Reheating Tips

Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a little broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to prevent drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can prepare the dish, store it in the fridge, and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creaminess.

2. Can I Use Canned Chicken Instead of Rotisserie Chicken?

While canned chicken works in a pinch, fresh rotisserie chicken provides better flavor and texture.

3. Can I Make It Gluten-Free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch.

4. What’s the Best Cheese for This Dish?

A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack works best, but you can also use:

Pepper Jack for a spicier kick
Colby Jack for a milder, creamier sauce
Smoked Gouda for extra depth

Conclusion: A Comforting, Flavor-Packed Dish for Any Occasion

White Chicken Chili Mac is the perfect fusion of two classic comfort foods, creating a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and full of bold chili flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

With its easy preparation, one-pot convenience, and endless customization options, White Chicken Chili Mac is a recipe you’ll find yourself making again and again. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy a bowl of pure comfort!