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Chili Chicken Mac Skillet

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This easy one-pan Chili Chicken Mac Skillet is a hearty, cheesy, and comforting dinner perfect for busy fall evenings. Packed with tender chicken, pasta, bold chili spices, and gooey cheese, it comes together in about 30 minutes and is sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 14 oz), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional but recommended)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked (or other small pasta shape)
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and cut into 1-inch cubes. Season with salt and black pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sear for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until golden but not fully cooked. Remove to a plate.
  3. Add diced onion and red bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Add chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
  5. Add uncooked macaroni and corn kernels. Return chicken to the skillet and stir, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 13-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed. Add extra broth if needed.
  7. Turn off heat. Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the skillet. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes until cheese is melted.
  8. Gently stir to swirl some cheese into the sauce. Garnish with cilantro or parsley if desired.
  9. Serve hot, scooping into bowls.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based cheese. You can swap chicken for ground turkey, beef, or black beans for a vegetarian version. Add extra veggies like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition. If the pasta isn’t cooked but liquid is gone, add more broth. For crispy cheese, broil the skillet briefly if oven-safe.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili chicken mac, skillet dinner, one pan, fall recipe, cheesy pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, chicken pasta, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/chili-chicken-mac-skillet-recipe-easy-one-pan-fall-dinner/