This Southwest Grilled Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe brings bold flavor to a comfort classic. Made with Chick-fil-A® Mac & Cheese and Chick-fil-A® Grilled Nuggets, it’s an easy homemade mac and cheese recipe that’s perfect for weeknights or sharing.
How to Make Mac & Cheese
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 2-quart baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Heat oil in a sauté pan over medium heat. Add diced onions and peppers and cook until softened, 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine mac & cheese, diced nuggets, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, can of tomatoes (do not drain), chicken broth, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese.
- Once onions and peppers are cooked, add to bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Pour mixture into baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and cover lightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, remove foil and continue baking for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and let rest 15 minutes before serving.
Frequently asked questions
What sides go well with the Southwest Grilled Chicken Mac & Cheese?
If you’re serving this mac and cheese recipe as a main dish, a delicious side – like the Chick-fil-A Cole Slaw or Southwest Creamy Salsa Corn Salad – would make great additions to this baked mac and cheese. And don’t forget dessert. A cool and refreshing treat, like the Cookies & Cream Cheesecake is perfect after enjoying a spicy meal.
Can I make Mac & Cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this Southwest Grilled Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe ahead and refrigerate it before baking. To do so, prepare the recipe up to step 5. Top with cheese, cover and place in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake as directed.
Can I customize this Southwest Grilled Chicken Mac & Cheese recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust the spice level, add extra vegetables or swap proteins while keeping the creamy mac and cheese base.
