Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you’re craving a creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a spicy twist, this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe is a must-try. I’ve been making this dish for years, and it’s become a household favorite that satisfies both comfort food cravings and a little kick of flavor. Using bold Cajun seasoning with tender chicken and a rich cheese sauce turns classic mac and cheese into something special. Whether you’re cooking for family dinners or impressing friends, this recipe delivers every time.

I’ve spent a lot of time perfecting the balance between spice and creaminess to make sure each bite is packed with flavor without overwhelming the palate. In this post, I’ll walk you through simple steps, share tips that make the process easy, and give you tricks to get that perfect cheesy texture. Let’s dive right into making your own Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese!

Ingredients List

Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. Here’s what you’ll need with precise descriptions to keep things clear and straightforward:

• 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (store-bought or homemade blend)
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk, warmed
• 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Note: Make sure your chicken pieces are evenly sized so they cook through at the same time. Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor. If you like your Cajun spice to stand out, you can add a bit more seasoning to taste.

Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe That Heals in 30 Minutes

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe ready in 30 minutes to satisfy hunger and bring comfort with bold creamy flavors youll love

• Author: emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Cuisine: Cajun

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

3 cups whole milk, warmed

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt to taste

Black pepper to taste

Optional: chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Season the chicken pieces evenly with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.

In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden and starts to bubble (this is your roux).

Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.

Reduce heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in batches, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth.

Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the sauce, then fold in the cooked macaroni, mixing everything until well combined.

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more Cajun seasoning or pepper to suit your spice preference.

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

A creamy, cheesy pasta dish with a spicy Cajun twist featuring tender chicken and a rich cheese sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or impressing guests.

How to Prepare Instructions

Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions for a smooth cooking experience and a delicious Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese:

1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken pieces evenly with 2 tablespoons of Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In a medium saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
5. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns golden and starts to bubble (this is your roux).
6. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
7. Reduce heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
8. Add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese in batches, stirring after each addition until fully melted and smooth.
9. Return the cooked Cajun chicken to the sauce, then fold in the cooked macaroni, mixing everything until well combined.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more Cajun seasoning or pepper to suit your spice preference.
11. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

For best results, keep the heat moderate when making the cheese sauce to avoid curdling. Also, stirring frequently while adding milk will keep your sauce silky smooth. The chicken cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to prevent drying.

Why You’ll Love This Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Delivers creamy, comforting mac and cheese with a bold Cajun twist
• Uses simple ingredients you probably already have at home
• Easy to prepare in about 30-40 minutes
• Customizable spice level to suit your taste
• Perfect flexibility – serve as a full meal or side dish
• Rich, cheesy sauce balances perfectly with tender, flavorful chicken

Trust me, even if you aren’t a fan of spicy food, this recipe manages a nice balance between heat and comfort. It’s a brilliant way to shake up your usual mac and cheese.

Tips for Success with Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese

• Don’t skip warming the milk before adding it to the roux — it makes the sauce silkier.
• Use fresh, shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting and creaminess.
• Butter your skillet and cook chicken until just browned to lock in juices without drying it out.
• Mix the sauce and pasta gently once combined to keep the pasta from breaking apart.
• If you want extra crispiness, transfer the dish to a baking pan, top with breadcrumbs, and broil for 3-5 minutes.
• Adjust the Cajun seasoning according to how spicy you want it; you can even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Here’s a quick glance at some substitutions and notes to adapt this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe:

• Chicken: You can use thighs instead of breasts for a juicier bite. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Cajun seasoning: Feel free to use your own blend – typical ingredients include paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and thyme.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar brings tang and depth but you can swap for Colby Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
• Milk: Whole milk yields the creamiest sauce, but 2% works fine too. Avoid skim milk because it won’t thicken the sauce properly.
• Butter & flour: This classic roux base is essential. You can’t really skip this or the sauce won’t thicken correctly.

FAQ Section

Can I use pre-cooked or leftover chicken for this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe?

Yes, using pre-cooked or leftover chicken can save time. Just dice it and stir it in at the end to warm through. Be mindful that pre-cooked chicken won’t absorb as much spice, so adjust seasoning to taste.

What kind of pasta works best for mac and cheese?

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice because it holds sauce well with its shape. But shells, cavatappi, or even small penne will also work nicely if that’s what you have around.

How spicy is this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese?

The spice level is moderate by default thanks to the Cajun seasoning. You can easily dial it up or down by adjusting the amount of seasoning or adding cayenne. The cheese sauce helps balance out the heat nicely.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the mac and cheese a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven, adding a splash of milk to bring back creaminess. Avoid microwaving too long as it can dry out.

What sides go well with Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Fresh greens or a crisp salad brighten up the richness of this dish. Roasted veggies like broccoli or green beans also complement the flavors well. For a heartier meal, cornbread or garlic bread is a great pairing.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Nutrition can vary based on the brands and exact ingredients you use. Serving size, portion, and cooking methods all affect calorie and nutrient content. This recipe does not provide precise nutritional values.

Let Me Know How Your Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese Turns Out

If you try this recipe, I want to hear all about it! Leave a comment with your experience or any tweaks you made. Share your tips, questions, or just let me know how much you enjoyed it. You can also rate the recipe to help others decide if it’s right for their table.

Feel free to share this recipe with friends who love a good cheesy, spicy meal. I promise this Cajun Chicken Mac and Cheese will become a favorite in your home just like it did in mine!