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Cheesy taco pasta skillet with seasoned chicken chunks, black beans, corn, jalapeños, and sour cream topping.

Autumn Chili Chicken Mac Skillet – A Cozy Fall Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again

  • Author: Sophia LEE
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Description

This Autumn Chili Chicken Mac Skillet is the ultimate cozy fall dinner. A family-friendly one-skillet wonder filled with tender chicken, pasta, beans, corn, and melty cheddar in a smoky, chili-spiced sauce — perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or game day meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) corn, drained
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt & pepper, to taste
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: sliced jalapeños & sour cream for serving

Instructions

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, add onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
  4. Return chicken to the pan. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Let spices toast for 1 minute.
  5. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  6. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat in sauce. Add more broth if needed to loosen the mixture.
  7. Remove from heat and sprinkle cheese over the top. Cover skillet and let cheese melt.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot with optional jalapeños and sour cream.

Notes

Make ahead by prepping chicken and pasta earlier in the day. Use rotisserie chicken to save time. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with extra beans or plant-based meat. Spice lovers can add cayenne or hot sauce to taste.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Skillet
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg

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Find it online: https://sophiadecor.com/autumn-chili-chicken-mac-skillet/