Chicken Taco Mac Cheese
Chicken Taco Mac Cheese is a delightful fusion of creamy mac and cheese and zesty chicken tacos. This crowd-pleasing dish features gooey cheddar, tender chicken, and vibrant toppings, making it a perfect choice for game nights or family dinners. With its unbeatable combination of flavors and textures, Chicken Taco Mac Cheese will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp taco seasoning
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and sauté diced chicken until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add taco seasoning and garlic powder; stir to coat the chicken evenly.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently; mix in shredded cheddar until melted.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheesy chicken mixture and stir until well coated.
- Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with more cheese if desired, and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: - For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with black beans or quinoa.- Try adding different cheeses like Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.