Name: Fajita Chicken Mac n Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: For the fajitas:; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; For the mac and cheese:; 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste

Fajita Chicken Mac n Cheese

Craving a unique and delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese? Look no further than this Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe. This dish combines the comfort of mac and cheese with the bold flavors of Mexican cuisine, resulting in a truly satisfying meal.

The recipe begins by sautéing chicken and colorful bell peppers in a flavorful fajita seasoning. This adds a zesty kick to the dish that complements the creamy richness of the mac and cheese. Once the fajitas are cooked, they are combined with al dente macaroni and a homemade cheese sauce. The cheese sauce is made with a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheese, creating a creamy and indulgent texture.

This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to please everyone at the table.

To make this recipe even more satisfying, consider adding a side of crispy tortilla chips or a fresh salad.

So, what are you waiting for? Give this Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese recipe a try and experience a delicious fusion of flavors.

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

Can I use leftover chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Using leftover chicken is a great way to save time. Simply add the cooked chicken to the recipe along with the bell peppers and onion.

Can I substitute the cheese blend with a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can. If you prefer a stronger flavor, try using aged cheddar or pepper Jack cheese. For a milder taste, consider using Colby or Swiss cheese.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe can be made vegetarian by using a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh instead of chicken.

How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add more spice, you can increase the amount of fajita seasoning or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What you need to make Fajita Chicken Mac n Cheese:

For the fajitas:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon fajita seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the mac and cheese:

1 pound elbow macaroni

1/4 cup butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 cups milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper to taste

How to make it:

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the fajitas: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, bell peppers, and onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Season with fajita seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Make the cheese sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until thickened.

Combine ingredients: Stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and fajitas to the cheese sauce and toss to combine.

Serve: Serve immediately, topped with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Tips:

For a healthier option, use whole-wheat macaroni and low-fat cheese.

To add more vegetables, include chopped spinach or broccoli to the cheese sauce.

For a fun twist, top the finished dish with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese.

Latest Reviews:

This Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is amazing. The creamy cheese sauce and the spicy fajitas are a perfect match. Definitely a keeper! Scott D.

I’ve tried many mac and cheese recipes, but this one is by far the best. The fajita seasoning adds a nice kick, and the chicken is so tender. My family loved it! Tanya S.

This recipe is a great way to spice up a classic dish. The fajita flavors are delicious, and the cheese sauce is rich and creamy. I’ll definitely be making this again! Dustin G.

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Yield: 4 servings