The smell alone is enough to make your mouth water: creamy cheese sauce, tender chunks of spiced chicken, and that irresistible taco aroma wafting through the kitchen. Chicken Taco Mac Cheese is one of those dishes that brings together two of life’s great pleasures—cheesy pasta and bold Tex-Mex flavors—into a single cozy skillet. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a comfort food craving on a lazy Sunday, this recipe delivers pure joy in every bite.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. A little seasoning, a quick sauté of chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together—it’s comfort food reinvented. The fusion of macaroni and taco seasoning may sound unexpected, but once you try it, you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner.

Ingredients:

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
½ cup diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (for garnish)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add the cooked macaroni and the sautéed chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat everything evenly with the cheese sauce.
Sprinkle diced tomatoes on top and a bit more cheese if desired. Let it melt for another 2 minutes on low heat.
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro before serving. Serve hot and cheesy right from the pan.

Tips & Tricks

For extra spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the sauce.
Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time—just mix it with taco seasoning before adding it to the cheese sauce.
A splash of hot sauce or lime juice at the end brightens the whole dish.

Variations

Beef Taco Mac: Swap chicken for ground beef for a more classic taco flavor.
Veggie Version: Use black beans, corn, and sautéed peppers instead of chicken.
Baked Option: Pour everything into a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes for a bubbly, golden finish.

Chicken Taco Mac Cheese

A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese infused with bold taco flavors and juicy chicken chunks for the ultimate comfort meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 520

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni uncooked
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb boneless chicken breasts diced
2 tbsp taco seasoning
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups milk whole or 2%
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
0.5 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
0.5 cups diced tomatoes
2 tbsp chopped cilantro for garnish
salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

Large skillet
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Pot for boiling pasta

Method

Cook macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté diced chicken with taco seasoning in olive oil until golden.
In the same pan, make a roux with butter and flour, whisking in milk until smooth.
Stir in cheeses until melted, then season with salt and pepper.
Add pasta and chicken, stirring to coat evenly.
Top with diced tomatoes and cilantro. Serve hot.

Notes

This recipe can easily be doubled for a crowd or customized with your favorite toppings.

Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Taco Mac Cheese with a side of crisp green salad, warm tortillas, or cornbread for a balanced meal. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole on top adds a creamy cool contrast to the spice.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to 2 months.

FAQ
Can I use different pasta?
Yes, penne, rotini, or shells all work well since they hold the sauce beautifully.

Can I make it ahead?
Definitely! Prepare everything except the final cheese topping, refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve.

How can I make it lighter?
Use skim milk and reduced-fat cheese, and add extra veggies like zucchini or spinach.

History / Fun Facts
The origins of mac and cheese date back centuries to Europe, but it wasn’t until American kitchens embraced it that it became a symbol of comfort. Adding taco seasoning to mac and cheese is a recent Tex-Mex innovation that embodies the playful creativity of modern home cooks—taking a classic and giving it a flavorful twist. The result is a hearty, one-pan wonder that’s perfect for families who love both creamy pasta and the zesty kick of Mexican-inspired food.

Chicken Taco Mac Cheese – A Tex-Mex Twist on Comfort Food