Chorizo & Chicken Mac and Cheese
Chorizo & Chicken Mac and Cheese is a medium American recipe that serves 2. 528 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Angella & Friends on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $6.07 total, $3.03 per serving
Ingredients
- 300 g Chicken Breast (cut into bite‑size cubes)
- 40 g Chorizo (sliced or crumbled)
- 50 g Cheddar Cheese (shredded; sharp or mild according to taste)
- 40 g Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
- 70 g Elbow Macaroni (dry weight)
- 40 g Onion (finely diced)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Paprika (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- ½ cup Pasta Water (reserved from cooking the macaroni)
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
Dice the chicken breast, slice the chorizo, finely dice the onion, shred the cheddar, and soften the cream cheese.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion and Chorizo
Heat the large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of oil, then add the diced onion and sliced chorizo. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the chorizo releases its fat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Cook the Chicken
Add the cubed chicken to the skillet, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir and cook until the chicken is browned on all sides and no longer pink inside.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Create the Soft Cheese Base
Stir in the softened cream cheese and ½ cup reserved pasta water. Mix until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, slightly thick sauce.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Add Cheddar
Gradually sprinkle the shredded cheddar into the sauce, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is glossy.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Cook the Macaroni
While the sauce is forming, bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions (about 7 minutes) until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: boiling
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained macaroni to the skillet with the cheese‑chorizo‑chicken mixture. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce looks thick, stir in a little more reserved pasta water.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Serve
Plate the mac and cheese while hot. Garnish with a pinch of extra paprika or chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 528
- Protein
- 58 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: High‑protein, Contains meat, Contains pork
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast, Firm tofu
- Instead of Chorizo: Andouille sausage, Spicy Italian sausage
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby
- Instead of Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese, Greek yogurt
- Instead of Elbow Macaroni: Shell pasta, cavatappi
- Instead of Onion: Shallots, Leeks
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (use less)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Medium Saucepan
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Colander
- Measuring Cups
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sautéing onion and chorizo until fragrant.
- Cooking chicken until fully done but not over‑cooked.
- Creating a smooth cheese sauce without lumps.
- Cooking pasta al dente and reserving pasta water.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a smoked chorizo for an extra depth of flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the cheddar with reduced‑fat mozzarella.
- A pinch of nutmeg in the cheese sauce adds a subtle warmth.
Troubleshooting
Cheese sauce becomes grainy or separates.
Lower the heat, add a little more reserved pasta water, and whisk continuously until smooth.
Pasta is mushy.
Cook pasta al dente and drain immediately; it will finish cooking in the sauce.
Dish is too thick.
Stir in additional warm pasta water or a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Not recommended; the texture of the cheese sauce may separate after freezing.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the cheese sauce up to step 5, let it cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Reheat gently before adding the cooked pasta.
- Cook the pasta al dente ahead of time, rinse under cold water, and store in a sealed container.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chorizo and chicken mac and cheese in American cuisine?
Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food, and adding chorizo and chicken reflects the modern Tex‑Mex influence that blends spicy sausage with creamy dairy dishes, creating a fusion that’s popular in casual diners and home kitchens across the United States.
What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?
In the South, mac and cheese often includes sharp cheddar and a breadcrumb topping, while in the Southwest you’ll find versions with jalapeños, chorizo, or chipotle. The dish also appears in New England with a béchamel‑based sauce and lobster additions.
How is chorizo and chicken mac and cheese traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the skillet, sometimes topped with a sprinkle of paprika or fresh parsley, and paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness.
What occasions or celebrations is chorizo and chicken mac and cheese associated with in American culture?
Because it’s quick, filling, and crowd‑pleasing, this dish is popular for family weeknight dinners, pot‑luck gatherings, and casual game‑day parties where comfort food is the star.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional American mac and cheese, and what can be substituted in this chorizo‑chicken version?
Traditional mac and cheese relies on elbow pasta, sharp cheddar, and a milk‑based roux. In this version, the soft cheese (cream cheese) and chorizo add richness and spice; you can substitute turkey chorizo for a milder flavor or use a plant‑based cheese for a dairy‑free version.
What other American dishes pair well with chorizo and chicken mac and cheese?
A crisp coleslaw, roasted broccoli, or a simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette complement the richness. For a heartier meal, serve alongside baked beans or cornbread.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chorizo and chicken mac and cheese?
Overcooking the chicken, letting the cheese sauce boil too vigorously, and using over‑cooked pasta are the biggest pitfalls. Keep the heat medium, stir constantly when adding cheese, and cook pasta al dente.
Why does this recipe use cream cheese and pasta water to create the sauce instead of a traditional roux?
Cream cheese provides a quick, velvety base without the extra flour, while pasta water adds starch that helps emulsify the sauce, resulting in a smoother texture in less time—a technique favored by busy home cooks on the Chef Angella & Friends channel.
Can I make chorizo and chicken mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare the cheese sauce up to step 5, cool, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Cook the pasta separately, store in an airtight container, and combine just before serving. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the cheese sauce is ready?
The sauce should be glossy, smooth, and coat the back of a spoon without clumps. It will thicken slightly as it rests; if it looks too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Angella & Friends specialize in?
Chef Angella & Friends focuses on approachable, family‑friendly recipes that blend classic comfort foods with global flavors, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize quick preparation and high‑protein options.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Angella & Friends' approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Angella & Friends often incorporates protein‑boosting ingredients like chicken or legumes and adds cultural twists—such as chorizo or spices—while keeping the dishes fast, affordable, and suitable for everyday home cooking, unlike some channels that prioritize elaborate plating or niche cuisines.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
