One Dish Spicy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese or Ham
Get ready to elevate your comfort food game with this irresistible One Dish Spicy Chicken Macaroni and Cheese or Ham recipe! This creamy, baked mac and cheese takes a bold twist with the addition of spicy hot sauce and a perfectly seasoned cheddar cheese sauce, creating a rich and flavorful base for tender elbow macaroni. Choose between hearty, diced chicken breast or savory ham for a protein-packed upgrade, and finish it off with an optional golden panko breadcrumb topping for added crunch. Quick and easy to prepare, this one-pan wonder is ready in under 45 minutes, making it the ultimate crowd-pleasing dinner for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Perfectly customizable for heat levels and garnished with a touch of fresh herbs or extra spice, this dish blends indulgence with a fiery kick that spice lovers will adore!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2.5 cups milk
- 1 cup half-and-half cream
- 1.5 cups cooked chicken breast or ham (diced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons spicy hot sauce (e.g., sriracha or cayenne hot sauce)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for breadcrumbs)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if you plan to finish the dish with a breadcrumb topping.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While the macaroni cooks, melt the butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Slowly pour in the milk and half-and-half, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3–4 minutes, until the mixture slightly thickens.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, and hot sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Gradually stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until completely melted and smooth.
Add the drained macaroni and the diced, cooked chicken or ham to the cheese sauce. Stir until well combined.
If not adding breadcrumbs, transfer the mixture directly to serving bowls. If adding a breadcrumb topping, transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil (if using). Sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni mixture and top with the remaining 0.5 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Optionally garnish with more hot sauce or fresh herbs.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3547 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 168.4 g | 216% | |
| Saturated Fat | 93.1 g | 465% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 758 mg | 253% | |
| Sodium | 4103 mg | 178% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 267.6 g | 97% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 10.9 g | 39% | |
| Total Sugars | 53.0 g | ||
| Protein | 231.7 g | 463% | |
| Vitamin D | 6.7 mcg | 34% | |
| Calcium | 2709 mg | 208% | |
| Iron | 13.4 mg | 74% | |
| Potassium | 2418 mg | 51% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
