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Autumn harvest chili chicken mac skillet topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs served in a cast iron pan

Autumn Harvest Chili Chicken Mac Skillet One-Pan Fall Dinner


  • Author: Lilie Evans
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Autumn Harvest Chili Chicken Mac Skillet is a cozy, one-pan dinner that combines tender chicken, chili spices, beans, corn, and pasta all in a cheesy skillet. Quick, hearty, and perfect for fall weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

2 tbsp olive oil

1 medium onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

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

1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles

3 cups chicken broth

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

½ tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp dried oregano

Salt & black pepper, to taste

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, sour cream, avocado


Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Add black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with chiles. Mix well.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Stir in uncooked macaroni. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.

Return chicken to the skillet and stir until heated through. Adjust seasoning as needed.

Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover with a lid for 2–3 minutes, or broil until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Garnish with desired toppings and serve hot.

Notes

Protein Swaps: Substitute ground beef, turkey, or rotisserie chicken.

Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra beans or lentils.

Spice Control: Use plain diced tomatoes for a milder flavor, or add cayenne/jalapeños for extra heat.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.

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

Nutrition

  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: chili mac skillet, chicken chili mac, fall skillet dinner