Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Mac Bake

If you love bold flavors with a comforting twist, the Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Mac Bake is the ultimate dish to satisfy your cravings. Combining the fiery kick of Nashville hot chicken seasoning with creamy, cheesy macaroni and tender chicken breast, this bake brings together everything you want in a cozy, hearty meal. The addition of green onions and turkey bacon adds a fresh crunch and smoky depth that takes this dish to the next level. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is straightforward and sure to please every palate. Let’s dive into why this Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Mac Bake belongs on your dinner table tonight.

Reasons to Love Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Mac Bake

• Bold, Spicy Flavor: The Nashville hot chicken seasoning delivers a unique heat that’s spicy but balanced, giving this mac bake a flavorful punch.
• Comfort Food Classic with a Twist: Mac and cheese is a universal favorite, and adding seasoned chicken and turkey bacon elevates it into a full meal.
• Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Using everyday pantry staples and fresh chicken breast makes this recipe easy to prepare without sacrificing taste.
• One-Dish Wonder: Macaroni, chicken, cheese, and veggies all come together in one bake for easy cleanup and convenience.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it a great option for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Ingredient List

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced
• 1 cup macaroni pasta
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons Nashville hot chicken seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Toolbox for This Recipe

• Medium pot – for boiling macaroni pasta
• Large skillet – to cook and season the chicken
• Mixing bowl – to combine cheese, milk, and sour cream
• Baking dish (8×8 inch or similar) – to bake the mac and cheese
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons – for precise ingredient amounts

Make Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Mac Bake: A Simple Method

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni

Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of macaroni pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Nashville hot chicken seasoning evenly over the pieces. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Mix the Cheese Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup milk, and 1/2 cup sour cream. Stir well until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In the large skillet or a separate bowl, mix the cooked macaroni pasta, seasoned chicken, cheese sauce, half of the chopped green onions, and half of the crumbled turkey bacon. Stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 5: Bake

Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top along with the rest of the green onions and turkey bacon for a flavorful crust. Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbling and golden on top.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and let the dish cool for a few minutes before serving. This spicy mac bake pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or your favorite roasted vegetables like Parmesan Truffle Roasted Potatoes for a complete meal.

Swap Guide

• Chicken Breast: Substitute with thigh meat for a juicier texture or plant-based chicken alternatives.
• Macaroni Pasta: Use penne, shells, or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
• Cheddar Cheese: Swap for a blend of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a milder melt.
• Milk: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for a dairy-free version.
• Sour Cream: Greek yogurt works well as a tangy alternative.
• Turkey Bacon: Use regular smoked bacon or omit for a vegetarian version.
• Nashville Hot Chicken Seasoning: Mix smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and brown sugar if you don’t have a pre-made blend.

What I Learned Testing

• Seasoning the chicken well with the Nashville hot chicken seasoning before mixing ensures every bite has that signature spicy kick.
• Using a mix of sour cream and milk keeps the cheese sauce creamy without becoming too heavy or greasy.
• Adding turkey bacon on top before baking gives a perfect crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy mac and cheese.
• The green onions added just before serving keep the dish fresh and add a pop of color and flavor.
• Letting the bake cool slightly after coming out of the oven helps it set, making serving easier and less messy.

Best Ways to Store

This Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Mac Bake stores wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Place leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the mac bake in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish a day ahead, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

How spicy is the Nashville hot chicken seasoning?

The seasoning has a moderate level of heat with smoky and slightly sweet undertones. You can adjust the amount used depending on your spice tolerance—start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you want it hotter.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be used to save time. Just toss it with the Nashville hot chicken seasoning and briefly sauté in the skillet to get the flavors infused before mixing with the pasta and cheese sauce.

What can I serve alongside this mac bake?

This dish pairs well with crisp green salads, steamed veggies, or roasted sides like the Parmesan Truffle Roasted Potatoes. For a lighter option, try the Lighter Cheesy Pasta Bake or complement the meal with some Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cups as an appetizer.

Because You Liked This

• Lighter Cheesy Pasta Bake – A creamy, comforting pasta dish with less guilt.
• Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Cups – Bite-sized and packed with spicy buffalo flavor.
• Parmesan Truffle Roasted Potatoes – The perfect crispy and flavorful side dish.

Ready, Set, Cook

Gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy the perfect harmony of spicy, cheesy, and savory flavors with this Spicy Nashville-Style Chicken Mac Bake. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, this recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your meal rotation. The combination of Nashville hot seasoning with creamy macaroni and tender chicken is a game-changer, delivering comfort food with an exciting kick. So preheat your oven, grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!

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