Save Craving comfort food with a little extra attitude This Sweet Chili Chicken Mac and Cheese takes creamy mac and elevates it with punchy Thai sweet chili and ultra crunchy golden chicken I whipped this up on a night when everyone wanted both cozy and fun in one bowl and now it is a regular family crave
The first time I served this at a game night everyone was surprised by the sweet heat twist and it disappeared fast Now my sister even requests it for birthday dinners
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: Classic nostalgia and those little tubes hold all the cheesy sauce well Always check for even cooking because a mushy noodle just will not do
- Butter: Lays the rich flavor base for the sauce Use European-style for extra creaminess if you can find it
- Flour: Forms the roux which thickens your cheese sauce Make sure it is fresh so the final texture stays silky
- Milk: Gives your sauce the luscious body Whole milk is my favorite for depth
- Shredded white cheddar: Brings sharp tangy creaminess Opt for a block you shred yourself for top meltability
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Where the magic happens Balance of sweet heat and gentle spice Look for one with real pepper flecks and not too much corn syrup
- Salt and pepper: Balance and highlight the cheese and chili Taste as you go
- Chicken breast: Lean protein that crisps up perfectly Chop evenly so every bite is juicy inside
- Egg: Helps breadcrumbs stick for that crunchy shell
- All purpose flour: For dredging chicken and keeping coating light Avoid self rising here
- Breadcrumbs or panko: Extra crunch and structure Use panko for that almost fried chicken texture
- Paprika: Just a little smoky warmth and beautiful color Smoked or sweet works
- Oil for frying: Neutral oil keeps chicken crisp without flavoring
- Chopped green onions: Fresh zip and color for garnish Go for firm bright stalks
- Extra sweet chili sauce: For a glossy sweet heat drizzle on top
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil Add elbow macaroni and stir to prevent sticking Cook until just shy of fully tender usually one minute less than the package directions Drain well and set aside The chew of the pasta is key so go for al dente rather than soft
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Place a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium heat Add butter and let it melt completely Stir in flour and whisk constantly for about one full minute until the mixture is golden but not browned This step scrubs out the raw flour taste Slowly pour in milk whisking the whole time so the mixture stays silky Smooth any lumps and bring it to a gentle simmer You want it to thicken just enough to coat the back of a spoon Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar Cheese melts best if added in small handfuls so it does not get gritty Stir until glossy and fully combined Now swirl in the Thai sweet chili sauce and season with a few pinches of salt and pepper Taste you can always add more chili for wild heat
- Fry the Chicken:
- While your sauce simmers set up three shallow bowls Arrange flour beaten egg and breadcrumbs mixed with paprika in sequence Dredge each chicken piece in flour coat in egg then press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated Line them up on a tray ready for the pan Heat oil in a heavy skillet or use a fryer Get it hot enough so a crumb sizzles but does not burn Add chicken in batches do not crowd them Fry two or three minutes per side until deeply golden flip once for even color Remove to a paper towel lined plate so they stay super crisp
- Combine and Serve:
- Place cooked macaroni back in its pot Pour over the sweet chili cheese sauce and toss until every noodle is coated Arrange crispy chicken bites over the top For extra shine and kick drizzle a little more sweet chili sauce and shower with green onions Serve piping hot and savor that first bite
Save A forkful offers that epic comfort food hug with a spicy twist The sweet chili sauce is honestly my favorite part It gives every cheesy spoonful this unexpected pop and is the simple ingredient that turns classic mac into a celebration Once my little nephew used it as a veggie dip next to his bowl so now I put it on the side too
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly sealed container for up to three days Microwaving works but for chicken that stays crispy try reheating the chicken in a hot oven and the mac on the stovetop with a splash of milk The cheese sauce will stay smooth if you reheat gently
Ingredient Substitutions
Rotisserie chicken saves you time and is perfect when you do not want to fry For a lighter touch bake the coated chicken on a wire rack at high heat until crisp If you are out of white cheddar use mozzarella for creamy melt or Monterey Jack for a mild flavor Just do not use pre-shredded cheese for the sauce
Serving Suggestions
Balance the richness with a fresh cucumber salad Or add steamed broccoli or snap peas right to the mac for one pan ease My family loves this piled into small ramekins for individual servings with extra chili drizzle on top It is also killer as a game day snack for a crowd
Cultural Twist
Thai sweet chili sauce is a staple in Southeast Asian kitchens and brings this American comfort dish loads of zing I first tasted this combo at a fusion food truck and was hooked Sweet spicy sticky with mac and cheese is totally unexpected but so so right
Seasonal Adaptations
In cooler months stir in roasted butternut squash or sweet corn for warmth Go fresh in the summer by adding sliced cherry tomatoes or fresh basil This recipe flexes for every season and always satisfies
Save This mac and cheese is guaranteed to surprise and satisfy Serve it steamy and savor the spicy sweet cheesy combo to the very last bite
Cooking Questions
- → Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, fry or bake the chicken pieces in advance and reheat just before assembling the dish to retain crispiness.
- → Are there ways to lighten the dish?
For a lighter option, bake the chicken instead of frying and consider using low-fat cheese or milk.
- → What vegetables go well with this?
Steamed broccoli or peas pair well, adding freshness and color. Stir them in with the macaroni before serving.
- → Can the dish be made gluten-free?
Substitute with gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. Use a thickener like cornstarch for the sauce if needed.
- → What cheese is best for the sauce?
White cheddar provides creamy melt and sharpness, but you can blend with mozzarella for extra stretch if preferred.
- → How spicy is the sweet chili sauce?
Thai sweet chili offers gentle heat and sweetness, making it mild enough for most palates while adding flavor depth.