Save to Pinterest Sweet Chili Chicken Mac and Cheese is a bold twist on classic comfort food: creamy white cheddar macaroni laced with Thai sweet chili sauce and topped with golden, crispy chicken bites. Creamy, spicy, crunchy—every bite delivers punchy satisfaction.
I first created this dish when I wanted something exciting but familiar on a chilly weekend. The sweet-spicy chili sauce made a simple mac and cheese pop with new character, and now it is a family favorite for dinner or potlucks.
Ingredients
- Mac and Cheese Base: 300 g (10 oz) elbow macaroni, 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, 400 ml (1¾ cups) milk, 200 g (2 cups) shredded white cheddar, 3 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce, salt and pepper to taste
- Crispy Chicken: 2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces), ½ cup flour, 1 egg (beaten), ¾ cup breadcrumbs or panko, 1 tsp paprika, salt and pepper, oil for frying
- Garnish (optional): chopped green onions, extra drizzle of sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Boil macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth and thickened. Stir in white cheddar until melted. Mix in sweet chili sauce, season with salt and pepper.
- Fry the chicken:
- Coat chicken pieces in flour, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika. Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towel.
- Combine and serve:
- Toss macaroni with cheese sauce. Top with crispy chicken. Drizzle extra sweet chili sauce and sprinkle green onions if desired.
Save to Pinterest My kids love helping toss the macaroni for this dish, and it is always the first pan emptied at our Sunday gatherings. Everyone digs in for the crunchy chicken pieces!
Required Tools
Pot for pasta, saucepan for cheese, skillet or fryer for chicken, tongs and whisk.
Allergen Information
Contains: gluten (pasta, flour, breadcrumbs), dairy (cheese, milk), egg. Use GF pasta, GF breadcrumbs, and plant-based cheese for adaptations.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: ~690 Protein: 38 g Total Fat: 35 g Carbohydrates: 55 g
Save to Pinterest This mac and cheese delivers vibrant flavor and texture in every bite. Perfect for sharing or treating yourself!
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I get crispy chicken bites?
Coat bite-sized chicken pieces in flour, dip in beaten egg, then cover with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika. Fry until golden and crisp.
- → Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?
Yes, bake breaded chicken pieces at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes until crispy for a lighter option.
- → Is the dish spicy?
The sweet chili sauce adds a mild, tangy heat rather than intense spice, making the flavor lively yet approachable.
- → What cheeses work best?
White cheddar gives rich creaminess, but mild cheddar or a mix with mozzarella can also work deliciously.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Swap in gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, plus use gluten-free flour for thickening to make the dish suitable for gluten-free diets.
- → How do I add vegetables?
Include steamed broccoli or peas when combining macaroni and sauce for added nutrition and color.