If you’re craving a cozy, hearty meal that hits all the comfort food notes, this White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and beans, all baked to bubbly perfection in one skillet. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Let’s dive into how you can make this fan-freaking-tastic dish in your own kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
Comfort Food Perfected: Creamy, cheesy, and full of cozy flavors with a subtle kick from jalapeño and spices.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this dish, especially when busy weeknights call for something easy yet special.
Versatile Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and a rotisserie chicken for speedy prep.

A close-up view of a black pan filled with creamy pasta shells covered in an orange cheese sauce. The dish shows layers of tender pasta shells mixed with shredded chicken, all coated thickly by the rich sauce. Small green herbs are scattered on top, adding spots of color. A white spoon lifts a portion of the creamy pasta and chicken from the pan, with the sauce dripping off the edge. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet, White Chicken Chili Mac, cheesy chicken skillet recipe, creamy chicken skillet, hearty one-pan dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how this combination of ingredients creates layers of flavor and creaminess that meld together beautifully. When shopping, look for fresh jalapeños, good-quality shredded cheeses, and a rotisserie chicken to save yourself some time.

Flat lay of medium pasta shells, a small yellow onion whole, one green jalapeño pepper, four whole brown garlic cloves, a small pile of smoked paprika powder, a small heap of ground cumin powder, unsalted butter sticks, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of low-sodium chicken broth, a small white bowl of heavy cream, shredded Gouda cheese, shredded white cheddar cheese, two whole rotisserie chicken breasts, a small white bowl of great Northern beans, a small white bowl of frozen white corn, a small white bowl of kosher salt, a small heap of freshly ground black pepper, a few sprigs of fresh cilantro, a small white bowl of extra-virgin olive oil placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet, White Chicken Chili Mac, cheesy chicken skillet recipe, creamy chicken skillet, hearty one-pan dinner

Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning; helps enhance all the flavors in the dish.
Medium pasta shells: These hold the sauce perfectly – don’t swap for super tiny or massive shells.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Gives a nice base flavor when sautéing the aromatics.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
Jalapeño: Bring in a bit of heat and brightness; seed it if you want it milder.
Garlic cloves: A must for that savory backbone.
Smoked paprika: Provides a smoky warmth that pairs beautifully with cumin.
Ground cumin: Keeps things cozy and chili-inspired without overpowering.
Unsalted butter: For that rich, silky roux that thickens the sauce perfectly.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the creamy sauce as it cooks.
Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds depth without making the dish overly salty.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
Gouda cheese, shredded: Melts flawlessly and adds a mild, buttery flavor.
White cheddar cheese, shredded: Offers sharpness that balances the creaminess.
Rotisserie chicken breasts, shredded: So easy and gives perfect tender protein.
Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed: Adds heartiness and fiber; gentle on the palate.
Frozen white corn: Just a touch of sweetness that pops with every bite.
Freshly ground black pepper: Final seasoning to brighten the dish.
Fresh cilantro, finely chopped: For a fresh, herbal finish that wakes up the flavors.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to keep this White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe flexible – it’s a perfect base for your own spin on things. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add more veggies, or even swap cheeses, there’s a way to make it your own.

Spice it up: When I want more kick, I toss in diced green chilies or leave the jalapeño seeds in for added heat.
Dairy-free twist: Use dairy-free cream and cheese substitutes, plus a bit more chicken broth, to keep it creamy without lactose.
Vegetable boost: Sometimes I add diced bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies and color.
Cheese swaps: Sharp Monterey Jack or pepper jack bring a nice melting quality with a touch of zing.

How to Make White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your medium pasta shells and cook them just until al dente, typically 8 to 10 minutes depending on your package. You want them tender but still with a tiny bite to hold up well in the skillet. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside—I like to give it a quick rinse with warm water to stop the cooking.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics for Flavor

Now, heat your extra-virgin olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely chopped onion and jalapeño and cook for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onions are soft and translucent. This slow sweat brings out their sweetness and mellows the jalapeño’s heat just right. Then add garlic, smoked paprika, and ground cumin—stir for about a minute until fragrant. This spice combo is what gives the chili mac its cozy, smoky warmth.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Time for that lovely roux: add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted and foamy. Quickly whisk in the flour, cooking for 1 to 2 minutes to get that toasty aroma that signals your sauce will be perfectly thick. Gradually pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer—it should start to thicken a little after a couple of minutes.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese and Add Protein

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in 1 1/2 cups each of Gouda and white cheddar cheese until melted and silky smooth. Now fold in your shredded rotisserie chicken, beans, frozen corn, and the cooked pasta. Give it a taste and season with salt and lots of freshly ground pepper. If it looks a little dry, don’t hesitate to add more chicken broth to loosen things up.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup each of Gouda and white cheddar evenly over the top. Transfer your skillet to a preheated 375°F oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for that gorgeous golden brown crust on top and bubbling sauce around the edges – it’s like the cheese’s way of saying “we’re ready!”

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

When you pull the skillet out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal finish that balances the richness. Let it rest just a couple of minutes before serving to let everything set slightly.

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Pro Tips for Making White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta holds up better during baking, preventing mushy textures.
Use Pre-Shredded Cheese Carefully: I’ve noticed pre-shredded cheese can sometimes have anti-caking agents that affect melting – freshly shredded gives creamier results.
Watch Your Roux: Cook the butter and flour just enough to lose that raw flour taste, but don’t let it brown—it changes the flavor profile here.
Add Liquids Slowly: Whisk in broth and cream gradually to avoid lumps and ensure a silky sauce.

How to Serve White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe

A white plate holds a creamy pasta dish with shell-shaped pasta coated in a rich, orange sauce. The sauce has a smooth texture with some small yellow chunks mixed in, likely vegetables. Fresh green herb pieces are sprinkled on top, adding contrast. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet, White Chicken Chili Mac, cheesy chicken skillet recipe, creamy chicken skillet, hearty one-pan dinner

Garnishes

I always top this skillet with freshly chopped cilantro – it adds a pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, if I’m feeling extra, a dollop of sour cream or some diced avocado gives a lovely creamy contrast. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving also amps up the fresh flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is pretty complete on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies to lighten things up. If you want to keep it hearty, garlic bread or corn muffins are fantastic companions that soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For family gatherings, I’ve served this in individual mini skillets or cast iron dishes for a rustic, charming touch. It’s also great layered in a casserole dish topped with crunchy breadcrumbs for texture. Adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika before baking gives a festive red hue that impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying a big meal, I store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, though I will say it tastes best reheated gently to keep the creaminess intact.

Freezing

When I want to stash some for later, I freeze portions in freezer-safe containers. Just be sure to slightly undercook the pasta before freezing so it doesn’t get mushy when reheated. It thaws well overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep it from drying out. You can also microwave it covered in short bursts, stirring often to ensure even heat.

FAQs

Can I make this White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the rotisserie chicken with extra beans or perhaps some sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, veggie-packed version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can! Just cook and shred the chicken breasts beforehand; poaching or baking works well. The rotisserie chicken just saves time and adds some extra flavor from the seasoned skin.
What type of pasta works best?

Medium pasta shells are ideal because they trap the creamy sauce inside. You can also use small elbow macaroni or cavatappi if shells aren’t available.
How spicy is this recipe?

The jalapeño adds a gentle heat that you can adjust by removing the seeds or adding more. It’s not overly spicy but offers a pleasant warmth.
Can I prepare this in advance?

Yes! You can assemble it ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge, then bake right before serving. Just add extra cheese on top before baking for that perfect golden crust.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this White Chicken Chili Mac Skillet Recipe brings so much comfort and flavor with minimal fuss. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty without stressing, and it always earns rave reviews from anyone I serve it to. Give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to comfort food that feels homemade yet special, all in one skillet.