Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese is a comforting meal that is loaded with amazing flavors. The spicy chicken pairs perfectly with the smoked gouda pasta for a dinner everyone will love.

Casserole with mac and cheese with chicken tenders.

Anytime I can get dinner on the table in 30 minutes or less, it’s a big win and mac and cheese is something the whole family can agree on. Add some spicy grilled chicken and this easy recipe will automatically be on your list to make often.

Serve this chipotle chicken smoked gouda mac and cheese with garlic bread and Mexican Corn for a complete dinner that is perfect for any night of the week.

You might also like this easy Creamy Cajun Chicken or Chicken Tater Tot Casserole for a quick meal. We also love this quick Creamy Chicken and Noodles for busy nights.

Table of Contents

Ingredients Needed for Chipotle Chicken Mac and Cheese

Boneless Chicken – chicken tenders or chicken thighs
Olive Oil
Out Grilling SPG Seasoning or seasoning salt
Chipotle Sauce – use adobo sauce if you like things extra spicy.

For Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese

Milk
Cream Cheese
Granulated Garlic
Kosher Salt
Black Pepper
Ground Nutmeg
Smoked Gouda Cheese
Chipotle Sauce

Step-by-Step Directions

Collage of grilling chicken tenders with chipotle sauce.

Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil and season with spice rub on both sides.
Cook chicken on a pellet grill. Cook for 10 minutes with the grill closed.
Flip the chicken and brush with chipotle sauce.
Continue cooking with the grill closed another 5 minutes, flip the chicken and brush with chipotle sauce. Cook until chicken reaches 165° using a digital meat thermometer. Remove from grill and set aside, tented with foil.

Boil the macaroni according to package directions and drain well.

Collage making smoked gouda sauce for macaroni.

Add milk, cream cheese, garlic, salt, pepper and nutmeg to a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat, whisking until smooth.
Lower the heat and stir in the cheese.
Add the chipotle sauce and whisk until combined.

Collage of macaroni, mixed into cheese sauce.

Next, stir in the cooked and drained macaroni.

Chicken tenders with mac and cheese in a casserole.

Serve chipotle chicken tenders over mac and cheese.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Store chicken mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Reheat: Add mac and cheese to a pan with a few tablespoons of milk, cook over medium heat, stirring until heated through.
Cheese Variations: Use any cheese that you prefer: cheddar, colby-jack or pepper jack are all great options.
Additional Toppings: Cooked and crumbled bacon, crushed Nacho Cheese Doritos or Crushed Ritz Crackers make a great addition to the top of smoked gouda mac and cheese.
Stove Top Directions for Chicken: Place chicken in a hot skillet coated with olive oil. Cook chicken over medium-high heat for 3 minutes, flip the chicken and brush with chipotle sauce. Cook for 5 minutes, flipping the chicken and brushing with additional chipotle sauce. Cook until chicken reaches 165 degrees using a digital meat thermometer.

Smoked Gouda mac and cheese with chipotle chicken.

More Loaded Mac and Cheese Recipes

French Onion Mac and Cheese is nothing short of amazing. Creamy mac and cheese loaded with caramelized onions, you really have to give this one a try.
Bacon White Cheddar Pasta is one of my all-time favorites that makes a great main dish or delicious side dish. Sharp white cheddar adds extra zing to the sauce and it’s loaded with crispy bacon!
Brisket Mac and Cheese is so popular that we added it to our restaurant menu. Classic cheesy pasta topped with smoky bbq brisket.
Poblano Mac and Cheese is made with a white queso sauce and grilled poblano peppers for the most amazing flavor!

This Chipotle Chicken Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese is just the easy dinner you have been looking for. It is the perfect combination of creamy pasta and smoky grilled chicken with a bit of a spicy kick.

If you try this recipes and love it as much as we do, please leave a comment and a five star review. Help us share on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook!

Chicken mac and cheese in a casserole dish.

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