Autumn Harvest Chili Chicken Mac Skillet – One-Pan Fall Favorite

Introduction

The Autumn Harvest Chili Chicken Mac Skillet – One-Pan Fall Favorite is the epitome of cozy, family-friendly fall flavor. Imagine tender chicken, hearty beans, sweet corn, and macaroni noodles all simmered together in a spiced tomato base. This dish delivers the comforting vibe of chili and the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese in a single pan, making it a perfect weeknight staple. Wholesome, easy, and brimming with seasonal ingredients, it’s a dinner designed to make everyone at the table happy (and keep clean-up a breeze).

What Makes Autumn Harvest Chili Chicken Mac Skillet Special?

This one-pan wonder brings together the iconic elements of autumn: earthy spices, robust chicken, satisfying beans, and a creamy finish that transforms a simple meal into a fall classic. The chili spices lend a rich warmth, while the macaroni absorbs every bit of flavor, making each forkful abundantly satisfying. It’s a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults, with the bonus of easy serving and minimal mess.

Choosing the Best Harvest Ingredients

Lean chicken breast works beautifully, but you can substitute with rotisserie chicken for added convenience. Opt for canned fire-roasted tomatoes for extra depth, and choose a mix of kidney and black beans for color and texture contrast. A dash of chili powder and smoked paprika infuses autumnal spice, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese brings everything together in creamy harmony. Consider tossing in some diced bell peppers or fresh-shelled corn for an extra hint of sweetness and crunch.

How to Create a One-Pan Classic

This recipe’s beauty lies in its simplicity: Start by sautéing chicken and onions until golden, add peppers, spices, and garlic, then layer in tomatoes, beans, and broth. Once those flavors meld, stir in dry macaroni and simmer until perfectly al dente. A hearty sprinkle of cheddar cheese on top (and a quick broil, if you like) delivers a bubbly finish. Each spoonful is packed with autumn’s best colors and flavors—no side dish required.

Serving Suggestions for a Memorable Fall Meal

Serve straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast. Pair with rustic bread or cornbread for true comfort-food satisfaction. For an extra touch, set out toppings like avocado, jalapeño slices, or crushed tortilla chips to let everyone customize their bowl.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe yields 6 generous servings. Each portion offers a satisfying balance of protein, fiber, and whole grains, totaling approximately 420-470 calories depending on the specific beans, cheese, and portion size used. It’s a hearty, nutrient-dense meal with the bonus of built-in veggies!

Autumn Harvest Chili Chicken Mac Skillet (Recap)

The Autumn Harvest Chili Chicken Mac Skillet brings the flavors of chili and creamy macaroni together in a single skillet—feeding a crowd and warming your kitchen with the unmistakable aroma of fall. Quick, filling, and always a hit, it’s every bit as convenient as it is delicious.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until browned and mostly cooked through, about 4–5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add onion and bell pepper. Sauté until soft, about 3 minutes, then stir in garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add tomatoes (with juices), chicken broth, black beans, kidney beans, frozen corn, and uncooked macaroni. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
4. Return browned chicken (and any juices) to the pan. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until macaroni is tender and most liquid has absorbed.
5. Uncover and sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let cheese melt for 2 minutes, or optionally, place under a broiler for 1–2 minutes for a bubbly golden top.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, green onions, Greek yogurt, or sliced avocado, as desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This recipe shines in a weekly meal plan, delivering hearty lunches or dinners that reheat beautifully throughout the week. Save and schedule this recipe to plan your meals and automatically generate smart shopping lists that consolidate ingredients for all planned recipes—making your meal prep efficient and your grocery trips effortless.

Planning Benefits:

• Automatically calculates total ingredient quantities across multiple recipes
• Organizes shopping lists by grocery store sections
• Reduces duplicate purchases and ensures nothing gets forgotten
• Makes weekly meal prep streamlined and less stressful

Pro tip: Schedule your week’s meals to see ingredient overlap—like if another recipe uses beans or corn, your shopping list will automatically update the total quantity needed. This smart planning saves time, avoids waste, and keeps meal prep on track.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Enjoy making this one-pan autumn favorite—it’s bound to become a cherished part of your fall recipe rotation!