The One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese is a delightful fusion of spicy chicken chili and creamy mac and cheese. This cozy, one-pot dish combines chili-seasoned chicken, pasta, and a luscious mix of cheeses, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for chilly days, it’s a recipe that brings warmth and comfort to your table in under an hour.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 1 pound chicken breasts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 poblano peppers, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup cooked white beans
• 1 cup salsa verde
• 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chilies
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 2 cups shredded cheese (pepper jack and white cheddar)
• Fresh cilantro and green onions, for topping

Directions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
2. Cook Chicken: In a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, melt butter and cook the onions and chicken for 5 minutes. Add garlic, poblano peppers, cumin, paprika, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and cook until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth, partially cover, and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is cooked.
3. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and shred it using two forks.
4. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta and 2 cups of water to the skillet. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and cook for 10 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente.
5. Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cream cheese until smooth. Mix in the shredded chicken, white beans, salsa verde, diced green chilies, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Cook for a few more minutes until the mixture is creamy.
6. Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Divide the mac and cheese among bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro and green onions. Enjoy with a side salad or beer bread.

Nutritional Value (Per Serving)

• Calories: 703 kcal
• Protein: 37 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Dietary Fiber: 8 g
• Total Fat: 29 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 104 mg
• Sodium: 1300 mg
• Potassium: 710 mg
• Calcium: 380 mg
• Iron: 4 mg

The Appeal of One-Pot Meals

One-pot meals have become increasingly popular for their convenience and ease of preparation. They save time, minimize cleanup, and offer a straightforward way to create delicious dishes without the fuss of using multiple pans and utensils.

This recipe is a prime example of how one-pot meals can be more than just practical—they can be gourmet. Combining pasta, chicken, and a medley of spices and cheeses in a single skillet ensures the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a cohesive and deeply satisfying dish.

The Flavor Profile

The One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese is a harmonious marriage of flavors and textures. The tender chicken, seasoned with a blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, provides a smoky and spicy base. Poblano peppers and diced green chilies add a gentle heat, while salsa verde offers tangy brightness.

The cream cheese and shredded cheeses (a mix of pepper jack and white cheddar) deliver the creamy richness that mac and cheese lovers crave. White beans contribute a velvety texture and an additional layer of heartiness. Together, these ingredients create a dish that’s simultaneously spicy, creamy, savory, and comforting.

A Perfect Dish for Chilly Days

This recipe is particularly well-suited for colder weather. The warmth of the chili spices combined with the richness of the mac and cheese makes it a perfect dish to enjoy on a chilly evening. It’s hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetites, and its comforting nature makes it an instant favorite for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Customizing the Recipe to Suit Your Preferences

One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can customize it:

1. Protein Options: While chicken breasts are a lean and flavorful choice, you could easily swap them for chicken thighs, ground turkey, or even a vegetarian substitute like jackfruit or tofu for a meat-free version.
2. Pasta Varieties: Elbow macaroni is traditional for mac and cheese, but other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells can work just as well. Gluten-free pasta can be used for those with dietary restrictions.
3. Spice Level: Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder, smoked paprika, or diced green chilies. For an extra kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Cheese Choices: While pepper jack and white cheddar are perfect for this recipe, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda, Monterey jack, or Colby for a unique flavor twist.

Tips for Perfecting the Dish

• Shred the Chicken Properly: Shredding the chicken into fine pieces ensures that it incorporates evenly throughout the dish, allowing every bite to have a balanced flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta just until it’s al dente. Overcooking can result in mushy pasta that doesn’t hold up well in the final dish.
• Balance the Creaminess: The cream cheese adds richness, but be sure to stir it thoroughly to avoid clumps. If the dish feels too thick, a splash of chicken broth or milk can help achieve the desired consistency.
• Toppings Matter: Garnishing with fresh cilantro and green onions adds a fresh and vibrant note that balances the dish’s richness.

Why This Dish is a Crowd-Pleaser

The One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese is a hit for multiple reasons:

• Family-Friendly: The mild heat level (which can be adjusted) and creamy texture appeal to both kids and adults.
• Quick and Easy: With everything cooked in one pot, it’s a straightforward recipe that doesn’t require advanced culinary skills or a lot of time.
• Great for Leftovers: This dish reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying over several days.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out the meal, consider pairing this dish with a fresh side salad or some crusty bread. A light beer or a crisp, citrusy white wine also complements the flavors beautifully.

Conclusion

The One Pot White Chicken Chili Mac and Cheese is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Combining the heartiness of chicken chili with the creamy indulgence of mac and cheese, it’s a recipe that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Whether you’re looking for a comforting dinner on a cold night or a dish to impress your family and friends, this recipe delivers on all fronts. Its ease of preparation, versatility, and ability to please even the pickiest eaters make it a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, home-cooked meals.