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As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, there's nothing quite like diving into a warm bowl of comfort food, and few dishes epitomize this better than chili and mac and cheese. These two beloved classics come together beautifully in the Autumn Harvest Chili Chicken Mac Skillet, a dish that seamlessly blends the hearty, creamy elements of mac and cheese with the robust flavors of chili. This one-pan wonder not only satisfies your cravings but also celebrates the bounty of the autumn season.

Fall Chili Chicken Mac Skillet

As autumn arrives, warm up with a comforting bowl of Autumn Harvest Chili Chicken Mac Skillet. This one-pan wonder melds the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of chili, creating a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Packed with nutritious ingredients like ground chicken, beans, and fresh vegetables, this dish offers both comfort and nourishment, making it a seasonal favorite you’ll want to share.
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

1 pound ground chicken

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 teaspoon cumin

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup chicken broth

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions
 

Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.

      Brown the Chicken: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add the ground chicken to the other side, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for about 5-6 minutes or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked.

        Add the Spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Mix everything together and cook for another minute to let the spices release their flavors.

          Combine and Simmer: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with juices), kidney beans, and chicken broth. Stir to integrate all the ingredients. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

            Mix in Macaroni and Cheese: Add the drained macaroni to the skillet and stir well. Gradually sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.

              Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If desired, add a bit more chicken broth for a saucier consistency.

                Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh cilantro, and enjoy your hearty Autumn Harvest Chili Chicken Mac Skillet straight from the skillet or serve in bowls.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings