One-Pot Chicken Enchilada Mac and Cheese

One-Pot Chicken Enchilada Mac and Cheese
  • PREP TIME
    10 mins
  • COOK TIME
    30 mins
  • TOTAL TIME
    40 mins
  • SERVING
    8 People
  • VIEWS
    24

Transform humble leftover chicken into a vibrant, cheesy masterpiece with this incredibly easy one-pot wonder. Infused with the flavors of enchiladas and boasting a creamy, comforting texture, it's a weeknight dinner solution that's sure to please!

Ingridients

Adjust Servings

Nutrition

  • Carbohydrate
    48 g
  • Cholesterol
    104 mg
  • Fiber
    2 g
  • Protein
    30 g
  • Saturated Fat
    16 g
  • Sodium
    701 mg
  • Sugar
    2 g
  • Fat
    30 g
  • Unsaturated Fat
    0 g

Follow The Directions

01

Step
8 mins

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, or until al dente (approximately 8 minutes). Drain the macaroni thoroughly and set aside.

02

Step
8 mins

In the same pot (now empty), combine the red enchilada sauce, half-and-half, and chopped green chilies. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is warm and slightly simmering (5-10 minutes).

03

Step
5 mins

Reduce the heat to low. Gradually add the shredded Cheddar cheese and pepperjack cheese, whisking continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy (about 5 minutes).

04

Step
5 mins

Return the cooked macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce. Add the cubed cooked chicken and chopped cilantro. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and heated through (approximately 5 minutes).

05

Step

Serve immediately. Garnish with your favorite enchilada toppings, such as sour cream, avocado, or extra cilantro, if desired.

For a spicier kick, use a hot enchilada sauce or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
Feel free to substitute the cooked chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or even ground turkey or beef.
To prevent the macaroni from sticking together after draining, toss it with a little olive oil.
For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Oaxaca.

Leon Wilderman

Written by

Our recipe authors are passionate food lovers who share thousands of diverse dishes from around the world. They bring daily cooking inspiration with delicious, easy-to-make recipes for every occasion.

RECIPE REVIEWS

Avarage Rating: 4.9/ 5 ( 8 Ratings)
Total Reviews: (4)
  • Letitia Hammesmedhurst

    I added a can of black beans for extra flavor and texture. It was a hit!

  • Katrina Williamson

    This was so easy and delicious! My family loved it and asked me to make it again.

  • Clifford Cummerata

    I didn't have pepperjack cheese, so I used Monterey Jack instead. It still turned out great!

  • Leonardo Goldner

    Next time, I'll try adding some diced tomatoes for a fresher flavor.

LEAVE A REVIEW

Please Rate