Fall Chili Chicken Mac Skillet – One Pan, All the Comfort

Hi there, food lover! 👋

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, nothing feels more comforting than gathering around a warm, hearty dish that speaks of home and tradition. The fall season invites us to slow down, savor bold flavors, and enjoy cozy dinners that bring families closer. One such dish is the Fall Chili Chicken Mac Skillet—a one-pan wonder that combines tender chicken, creamy macaroni, bold chili spices, and a cheesy finish that melts right into your heart. 🍂❤️

This skillet is not just a meal—it’s an experience. It carries the wholesomeness of classic chili, the comfort of macaroni, and the richness of melted cheese, all tied together in a dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight family dinner, a fall gathering, or simply treating yourself to a warm bowl of happiness, this recipe promises to deliver.

The best part? It’s simple, affordable, and comes together in under an hour. Just the kind of recipe that keeps traditions alive while still fitting into our busy lives. So grab your skillet, and let’s cook up a dish that will become your new fall favorite! 🍁🍲🧀

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Ingredients:

For the skillet:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced into small cubes)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of cheddar & Monterey Jack)

For the seasoning mix:

• 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat 🌶️)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

For garnish:

• Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
• Sliced jalapeños (optional)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for creaminess)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large cast-iron or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
3. Add the seasonings: Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Toast the spices for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. 🌶️✨
4. Build the base: Add in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, chicken broth, and the uncooked macaroni. Stir well so the pasta is fully submerged in liquid.
5. Simmer to perfection: Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover the skillet and let cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
6. Return the chicken: Stir the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Mix everything together so flavors blend beautifully.
7. Cheesy finish: Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet again for 3–4 minutes until cheese is melted and gooey. 🧀❤️
8. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh cilantro or parsley, add sour cream, and garnish with jalapeño slices if desired. Serve hot straight from the skillet! 🍽️🔥

🍎 Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes | 🔥 Cook Time: 30 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~460 | 🍽️ Servings: 6

#fallcomfortfood #chickenskillet #chilicheesemac #onepanwonder #cozyfallrecipes

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️