Indulge in a culinary delight that tantalizes your taste buds: a delectable combination of Tex-Mex and American comfort. Chicken Fajita Macaroni and Cheese is a unique fusion dish that blends the savory flavors of chicken fajitas with the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. This recipe elevates the classic macaroni and cheese by adding a zesty kick, making it a perfect meal for those who enjoy a blend of bold and comforting flavors.
In addition to the main recipe, this article offers a collection of variations to cater to different preferences and dietary needs. From a vegetarian version to a spicy rendition, there's something for everyone in this diverse selection of recipes. With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, you'll be guided through the process of creating this delightful dish, ensuring a successful and enjoyable cooking experience. So, prepare to embark on a culinary journey that combines the best of two worlds – the vibrant flavors of fajitas and the comforting warmth of macaroni and cheese.
CHICKEN FAJITA MACARONI AND CHEESE
This Tex-Mex twist on macaroni and cheese is packed full of fajita flavor and plenty of cheese.
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 1h5m
Yield 10
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) glass baking dish with cooking spray. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
- Meanwhile, in Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no longer pink in center. Stir in bell pepper, chiles and onion; cook about 2 minutes longer or until onions just start to soften. Add taco seasoning mix and water. Simmer 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened. Transfer to bowl, and reserve.
- In 4-cup glass measuring cup, mix milk and whipping cream. Return Dutch oven to medium heat; melt butter in Dutch oven. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds, stirring frequently. With whisk, stir in flour and salt until smooth. Cook and stir until mixture is smooth and bubbly.
- Gradually stir in milk mixture. Increase heat to medium-high; heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; reduce heat to medium. Stir in cheeses. Cook until melted, stirring occasionally. Stir in pasta and reserved chicken mixture. Remove from heat. Pour mixture into baking dish.
- Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until sauce is bubbly. Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips and green onions on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 530, Carbohydrate 43 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Fat 3 1/2, Fiber 3 g, Protein 26 g, SaturatedFat 14 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 720 mg, Sugar 5 g, TransFat 1 g
ONE-SKILLET CHICKEN FAJITA PASTA
You can have this quick, easy fajita pasta on the table in no time. We love the kicked-up Southwestern flavor, and I like being able to make the whole meal in my cast-iron skillet. I sometimes garnish it with crushed corn chips. -Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 45m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente., Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and 4-1/2 teaspoons fajita seasoning; cook and stir until no longer pink, 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and keep warm., Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in skillet. Add onion, green pepper and remaining 4-1/2 teaspoons fajita seasoning. Cook and stir until crisp-tender, 5-7 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Remove from pan., In the same skillet, add broth, diced tomatoes, green chiles, cream and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Return macaroni, chicken and vegetables to skillet; heat through. Sprinkle with cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 448 calories, Fat 21g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 83mg cholesterol, Sodium 1304mg sodium, Carbohydrate 38g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 27g protein.
CHICKEN FAJITA MAC AND CHEESE
Chicken fajita mac and cheese is such a fun way to combine two yummy dishes! It's pure comfort with a little heat for cold nights.
Provided by Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen
Categories Pasta Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners Comfort Food Nut-Free Shellfish-Free Egg-Free Soy-Free Entertaining Fall Winter Fish-Free Peanut-Free Tree Nut-Free Sugar-Free Classic Tomato-Free Stove
Time 1h
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Get out a large skillet with deep sides and heat the Olive Oil (1 dash) in it over medium high heat. Brown the Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (1 pound) in it until it is cooked through.
- Add the Red Bell Pepper (1), Green Bell Pepper (1), and Onion (1). Let them become soft and fragrant for another 2 minutes or so.
- While that all cooks, season everything with 1 teaspoon of the Taco Seasoning (1 teaspoon), Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon), Salt (1 pinch) and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (1 pinch).
- Pour in the juice from the Lime (1) as well. Let the whole mixture simmer together in the lime juice for another 2-3 minutes, then remove it to a plate and set it aside.
- Add the Butter (6 tablespoon) and All-Purpose Flour (6 tablespoon) to the same pan and whisk them together thoroughly until it becomes a thick, golden mixture.
- Slowly pour in the Milk (3 cup) while you keep whisking, then add the remaining Taco Seasoning (1/2 teaspoon) and Dijon Mustard (1 teaspoon). Turn the heat down to medium and let the sauce simmer for 6-8 minutes, whisking it often. It should become thick and luscious.
- In the meantime, get a pot of water on and bring it to a boil for the Medium Pasta Shells (1 pound). Cook it until tender for about 7-8 minutes. Drain it and set it aside for just a minute. The sauce should be done at this point.
- Whisk in the Cheddar Cheese (6 ounce) and Smoked Gouda (4 ounce) until it is a smooth, gorgeous and cheesy sauce.
- Stir the chicken, pepper and onion mixture back in too. Finally, stir the pasta in thoroughly to get coated in the cheese sauce. Scoop it into bowls and serve immediately!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 124 calories, Protein 7.1 g, Fat 5.3 g, Carbohydrate 12.7 g, Fiber 0.7 g, Sugar 2.0 g, Sodium 101.9 mg, SaturatedFat 3.0 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 22.5 mg, UnsaturatedFat 1.2 g
CHEESY CHICKEN FAJITAS
Cook up chicken strips, garlic, green peppers and onions for Cheesy Chicken Fajitas. Cheesy Chicken Fajitas feature warm tortillas with shredded cheese.
Provided by My Food and Family
Categories Home
Time 25m
Yield 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Cook chicken and garlic in large skillet sprayed with cooking spray on medium-high heat 5 min., stirring frequently.
- Add peppers and onions; cook and stir 4 to 5 min. or until chicken is done and vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Spoon 1/4 cup each chicken mixture and cheese down center of each tortilla; fold in sides to enclose filling.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 250, Fat 11 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, TransFat 0 g, Cholesterol 45 mg, Sodium 510 mg, Carbohydrate 21 g, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 1 g, Protein 15 g
BUFFALO CHICKEN MAC AND CHEESE
I saw my local ballpark was introducing Buffalo chicken mac and cheese and thought it was a great idea! This is what I whipped up. Serve with celery sticks and beer. Let me know what you think.
Provided by Matt R
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Chicken
Time 35m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until tender yet firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
- Cut wings and legs off rotisserie chicken. Skin and bone wings and legs; chop or shred dark meat into bite-size pieces.
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Whisk in flour gradually until a thick paste forms. Cook until golden, about 1 minute. Pour in milk, whisking constantly, until thickened and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Continue to cook until sauce is smooth, about 1 minute more. Reduce heat and season sauce with black pepper.
- Stir Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese into the sauce until melted and combined. Stir in hot sauce, adjusting to reach desired level of spiciness. Add blue cheese, chicken, and macaroni; mix well to combine.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 780.7 calories, Carbohydrate 51.7 g, Cholesterol 157.1 mg, Fat 41.9 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 47.3 g, SaturatedFat 22.5 g, Sodium 977.8 mg, Sugar 6.3 g
Tips:
- Use a variety of vegetables. This will add flavor, color, and nutrients to your dish. Some good options include bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, corn, and black beans.
- Don't overcook the chicken. Chicken is best when it is cooked through but still juicy. Overcooking will make it dry and tough.
- Use a good quality cheese. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dish. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper Jack are all good options.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are many different ways to make chicken fajita macaroni and cheese. Feel free to add your own favorite ingredients and spices.
Conclusion:
Chicken fajita macaroni and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion. It is a great way to use up leftover chicken, and it is also a kid-friendly dish. With a few simple tips, you can make a chicken fajita macaroni and cheese that is sure to please everyone at your table.
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