This is a simple, hearty one-pot meal that mixes chili flavors with macaroni and chicken.

introduction

This Southwest Chicken Chili Mac is warm, filling, and easy to make. It has chicken, beans, corn, tomatoes, and pasta in a mildly spicy broth with melted cheese on top. If you like bold Southwest flavors, you may also enjoy a fresh salad that goes well with this meal: Southwest chicken salad.

why make this recipe

Make this recipe because it is quick, uses pantry staples, and feeds a family. It cooks in one pot, so cleanup is simple. The mix of protein, veggies, and pasta makes it a full meal in one bowl.

how to make Southwest Chicken Chili Mac

Heat a bit of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped bell pepper until soft.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir in the elbow macaroni and lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it melts.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if you like and serve hot.
For tips on cooking chicken to the right texture before adding it to the pot, you can consult helpful air fryer and chicken guides such as air fryer chicken tips.

Ingredients :

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup corn, frozen or canned
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions :

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, and seasonings (chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper).
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir in the elbow macaroni and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.

how to serve Southwest Chicken Chili Mac

Serve hot in bowls. Add extra cheese on top if you like. Offer lime wedges, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips on the side for extra flavor and crunch.

how to store Southwest Chicken Chili Mac

Let the chili mac cool to room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems thick.

tips to make Southwest Chicken Chili Mac

Cut chicken into even pieces so it cooks the same.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end.
If the pasta soaks up too much liquid, add a little extra chicken broth while reheating.
For a milder dish, use less chili powder. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne.
For other flavor ideas, try a recipe with different seasonings like in this Asian chicken with mushrooms guide for inspiration on changing proteins and sauces.

variation (if any)

Swap chicken for ground turkey or beef.
Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version.
Add chopped poblano or jalapeño for more heat.
Stir in a can of green chilies for extra Southwest flavor.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different pasta?
A: Yes. Small pasta like shells or small penne work well. Cook time may vary.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes. Skip the chicken and add extra beans or use meatless crumbles.

Q: Do I have to use canned beans and tomatoes?
A: No. Fresh or frozen corn and diced fresh tomatoes work. Use cooked beans if using dried.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze it, but the pasta may change texture. Freeze in portions and reheat gently.

Conclusion

This Southwest Chicken Chili Mac is a quick, comforting meal that blends chili flavors with cheesy pasta in one pot. For another take on this skillet-style dish and extra tips, see Southwest Chicken Chili Mac | Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe.

Southwest Chicken Chili Mac

Author: kaoucheegmail-com
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A simple, hearty one-pot meal mixing chili flavors with macaroni and chicken, topped with melted cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breast, diced
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup corn, frozen or canned
2 cups chicken broth
2 cups elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Mexican blend)
Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a large pot, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Sauté the onion, garlic, and bell pepper until soft.
Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
Stir in the black beans, diced tomatoes, corn, chicken broth, and seasonings (chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper).
Bring the mixture to a boil.
Stir in the elbow macaroni and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is tender.
Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted.
Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired and serve hot.

Notes

For a milder dish, use less chili powder. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne. If the pasta soaks up too much liquid, add a little chicken broth while reheating.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Southwestern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 10g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: chicken, chili, mac and cheese, one pot meal, southwest flavors