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Homemade Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese Skillet photo
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Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese Skillet

This Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese Skillet is a creamy, cheesy, and zesty one-pan meal packed with tender chicken, peppers, and bold fajita flavors. Ready in under 40 minutes!
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex Mex
Keyword: Chicken, Comfort Food, Easy, Fajita, Mac and Cheese, One-Pan, Quick, Skillet
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing
  • 1 pound chicken breast diced
  • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper sliced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 green onions sliced, for garnish

Instructions

Stepwise Method: Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese Skillet

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and sprinkle with the taco seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are tender but still retain some crunch, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly with the cheese sauce and fajita mixture. Allow everything to heat through for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld together.
  • Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the sliced green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Colander

Notes

  • For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce.
  • To make the dish spicier, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños when cooking the vegetables.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.