Best 7 Sunnys Easy Chipotle Chicken Baked Mac And Cheese Recipes

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**Indulge in a Symphony of Flavors with Sunny's Easy Chipotle Chicken Baked Mac and Cheese**

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with Sunny's Easy Chipotle Chicken Baked Mac and Cheese, a culinary masterpiece that seamlessly blends the bold flavors of chipotle peppers with the comforting goodness of baked mac and cheese. This delectable dish is not just a meal; it's an experience that will leave you craving for more.

As you embark on this culinary journey, you'll discover a perfect harmony of textures and flavors. Tender, juicy chicken, infused with the smoky heat of chipotle peppers, takes center stage, while creamy, gooey cheese envelops every bite of perfectly cooked macaroni. Each forkful promises a burst of flavors, ranging from the subtle sweetness of the roasted red peppers to the tangy kick of the chipotle sauce.

But that's not all! This recipe also includes two additional variations to cater to your taste preferences. If you're a fan of classic comfort food, the Traditional Baked Mac and Cheese will transport you to culinary heaven with its rich, creamy texture and cheesy goodness. Craving something a bit lighter? The Lightened-Up Baked Mac and Cheese offers a healthier twist, featuring reduced-fat cheese and Greek yogurt, without compromising on flavor.

So, whether you're a cheese lover, a spice enthusiast, or simply seeking a comforting meal, Sunny's Easy Chipotle Chicken Baked Mac and Cheese has something for everyone. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling blissful.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

SUNNY'S CREAMY 5-CHEESE MAC 'N' CHEESE



Sunny's Creamy 5-Cheese Mac 'n' Cheese image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories     side-dish

Time 55m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 18

2 tablespoons salted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons hot Hungarian paprika
1 teaspoon ground mustard
3 cloves garlic, grated on a rasp
4 finely chopped scallions, white and green parts
1 teaspoon hot sauce, such as Frank's or Cholula
8 ounces whipped chive-flavored cream cheese
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups heavy cream
2 cups reserved pasta water
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded from the block
8 ounces Gouda, shredded from the block
8 ounces mozzarella, shredded from the block
3 ounces Pecorino Romano, shredded on a box grater
1 pound elbows, cooked al dente in salted water, 2 cups pasta water reserved
8 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded from the block
8 ounces mozzarella, shredded from the block

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a deep 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
  • Make the sauce. In a large bowl, mix the ingredients in order, combining completely between additions. Start by adding the flour, paprika, ground mustard, garlic, scallions, hot sauce, cream cheese, a pinch of salt and more grinds of black pepper than normal. Mix this until combined completely. In a liquid measure, mix the heavy cream and pasta water together and add slowly to the bowl while whisking. Add the Cheddar, Gouda, mozzarella and Pecorino Romano cheeses.
  • Bake. Add the pasta to the bowl of liquid and stir until the liquid seeps into the elbows and everything is distributed evenly. Pour into the prepared dish. Level with the back of your spoon. Toss together the Cheddar and mozzarella in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top. Bake until the edges are bubbly and the top is golden brown, 35 to 40 minutes.

CHIPOTLE MAC AND CHEESE



Chipotle Mac and Cheese image

This macaroni and cheese is smoky, spicy, and absolutely delicious. You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less chipotles.

Provided by Krisha Stevens

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
3 cups whole milk
½ cup butter
½ cup minced onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, finely chopped
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste
2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Steps:

  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well in a colander set in the sink.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray, and place the macaroni into the bottom of the dish. Heat milk in a saucepan until hot but not boiling.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan, and cook and stir the onion, garlic, and chipotle chiles until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Whisk in flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, and let cook for about 3 minutes, whisking constantly to avoid burning. Whisk in the hot milk, 1/2 cup at a time, and stir in paprika, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer (do not boil), whisking constantly until thickened, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the cheeses, about 1/2 cup at a time, and stir until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is thick and smooth.
  • Pour the sauce over the macaroni in the baking dish, and stir gently to combine. Cover the dish with foil.
  • Bake covered until the dish is bubbling and the macaroni has absorbed some of the sauce, about 40 minutes. Uncover, and bake until golden brown on the edges, 10 to 15 more minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 383.5 calories, Carbohydrate 36.1 g, Cholesterol 54.6 mg, Fat 19.7 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 15 g, SaturatedFat 11.9 g, Sodium 263.6 mg, Sugar 3.8 g

CHIPOTLE MAC & CHEESE



Chipotle Mac & Cheese image

Beefy and bubbly, this Southwestern pasta bake heats up the dinner hour with a peppery bite. -Cyndy Gerken, Naples, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h5m

Yield 2 casseroles (4 servings each).

Number Of Ingredients 17

1 package (16 ounces) cavatappi or spiral pasta
2 pounds ground beef
2 large onions, chopped
2 large green peppers, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
1 can (10-3/4 ounces) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
1/2 cup 2% milk
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, chopped
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions to al dente. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, cook the beef, onions, green peppers and garlic over medium heat until meat is no longer pink. Drain., Stir in the tomatoes, soup, milk, chipotle pepper and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer until thickened, about 15 minutes., Drain pasta; stir into meat mixture. Divide between 2 greased 8-in. square baking dishes; sprinkle with cheese., Cover and bake casseroles at 350° for 20 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, 8-10 minutes longer. If desired, sprinkle with cilantro., Freeze option: Cover and freeze unbaked casseroles for up to 3 months. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover and bake at 350° for 60 minutes. Uncover; bake until bubbly and cheese is melted, 8-10 minutes longer.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 628 calories, Fat 25g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 98mg cholesterol, Sodium 913mg sodium, Carbohydrate 62g carbohydrate (11g sugars, Fiber 7g fiber), Protein 38g protein.

SUNNY'S HONEY CHIPOTLE CHICKEN WET BURRITO



Sunny's Honey Chipotle Chicken Wet Burrito image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 tablespoon adobo sauce
1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning
1 rotisserie chicken, meat shredded, skin and bones discarded
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 scallions, white and green parts finely chopped separately
2 cups prepared white rice
Zest of 1 lime
Kosher salt and black pepper
One 21.5-ounce can honey-chipotle beans, such as Bush's
1 cup shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
4 large tortillas, warmed to make them pliable
1 cup shredded Cheddar-Monterey Jack cheese blend
1/2 cup chopped white onion
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 lime wedges

Steps:

  • For the burrito: In a large pan on medium-high heat, add the adobo sauce, barbecue seasoning, chicken, 2 tablespoons of the oil and the scallion whites. Saute until everything is combined and coated and the chicken is warmed through, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove to a large bowl.
  • In a medium bowl, toss the rice with the lime zest and scallion greens; season with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
  • Drain the beans over a bowl and reserve 1 cup of the liquid for the topping. Add the beans to the bowl with the chicken mixture, then add the rice mixture and cheese and mix to combine.
  • Add a couple of spoonfuls of filling to each tortilla. Fold one of the tortillas by first overlapping the line of filling with the flap closest to you. Tuck in both sides and, while holding them, fold the tortilla over itself, keeping the ingredients tucked tightly in the center. Fold the remaining tortillas.
  • Preheat the oven to broil.
  • On a griddle or in a large pan on high heat, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add each burrito seam-side down and sear until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes (you may have to do this in batches if using a pan instead of a griddle). Flip and sear the other side, another 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the burritos to an ovensafe serving dish.
  • For the topping: Drizzle the reserved 1 cup bean liquid over the burritos, top evenly with the cheese and place under the broiler until the cheese is just melted, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve topped with the white onions, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

SUNNY'S EASY CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP



Sunny's Easy Chicken Tortilla Soup image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories     appetizer

Time 30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1/4 cup canola oil
4 corn tortillas, very thinly sliced
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon hot Hungarian paprika
2 jalapeños, finely chopped, seeds included
1 sweet onion, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 cups chicken stock
One 10-ounce can diced tomatoes and green chiles (I like Ro-tel)
Shredded meat from 1/2 roasted chicken
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
Hot sauce, optional (I like Tapatio or Cholula here)

Steps:

  • For the tortilla strips: Heat the oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the tortilla strips and cook, stirring, until they are crispy, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and sprinkle lightly with salt. Set aside.
  • For the soup: In the same pot, add the cumin, paprika, jalapeños, onion and salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the veggies are soft and tender, about 8 minutes. Add the stock and diced tomatoes and green chiles. Bring to a simmer. Add the chicken and simmer until the chicken is warmed through.
  • For serving: Serve in bowls with a pile of the fried tortilla strips and some yogurt and hot sauce, if desired, on the side.

SUNNY'S EASY SMOTHERED CHICKEN



Sunny's Easy Smothered Chicken image

Provided by Sunny Anderson

Categories     main-dish

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

3 tablespoons olive oil, plus more if needed
Two 8-ounce containers sliced white button mushrooms
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 medium sweet or white onion, large diced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cups beef stock, warmed
4 grilled chicken breasts, from the freezer or refrigerator section of the grocery, thawed if frozen
Two 10-ounce containers microwavable white rice
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the mushrooms and thyme and more olive oil if needed and saute until lightly browned and tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Add the onion and season with salt and pepper. Let cook until the onions are softened, 5 to 7 minutes. Mix in the flour and mustard and cook for about 2 minutes. Whisk in the beef stock and bring to a simmer. Cook until thickened, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the grilled chicken breasts, then cover the skillet and turn down the heat to medium-low. Let simmer for about 10 minutes.
  • Prepare the rice according to the package directions. Remove the rice to a large bowl and stir in 2 tablespoons parsley. Place rice on a platter, then top with the chicken and mushroom sauce. Garnish with the remaining fresh parsley.

CHIPOTLE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Chipotle Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy mac and cheese gets a spicy kick with the addition of chipotle peppers and pepper jack cheese.

Provided by ARGO®, KARO® and FLEISCHMANN'S®

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     ARGO®, KARO®, FLEISCHMANN'S®

Time 50m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked according to package directions
1 quart half and half, divided
1 chipotle pepper from canned chipotles in adobo sauce, or more to taste
5 cube (blank)s chicken bouillon cubes
3 cloves fresh garlic, roughly chopped
1 tablespoon Spice Islands® Onion Powder
½ teaspoon Spice Islands® Fine Grind Black Pepper
¼ cup Argo® OR Kingsford's® Corn Starch
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 cups shredded pepperjack cheese
1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese OR sprinkle with Spice Islands® Paprika

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Blend 2 cups half and half, chipotle pepper(s), bouillon cubes and garlic in a blender or food processor until well blended. Pour into a large saucepan; add onion powder, black pepper, remaining 2 cups of half and half and corn starch. Stirring constantly, bring to a boil; boil and stir for 1 minute or until very thick. Remove from heat.
  • Gradually stir in cheeses until melted. Add cooked pasta and stir until blended. Pour mixture into a greased 3-quart casserole dish (or 13 x 9-inch pan) and sprinkle with desired topping.
  • Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until browned and bubbly around edges.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 556 calories, Carbohydrate 44.2 g, Cholesterol 98.4 mg, Fat 31.5 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 23.3 g, SaturatedFat 18.4 g, Sodium 986.2 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your baked mac and cheese the best flavor. If possible, use fresh herbs, vegetables, and cheese.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: Overcooked pasta will make your mac and cheese mushy. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, or slightly undercook it.
  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Fontina.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. Making a roux will help to give your mac and cheese a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many different ways to make baked mac and cheese. Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients, such as vegetables, meats, or spices.

Conclusion:

Baked mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be customized to your own liking. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious baked mac and cheese that will be the star of your next potluck or dinner party.

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