By Aqsa 
If you’re a fan of comfort food but love dishes with a bold and spicy kick, then Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese might just become your next favorite meal. This dish combines the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional mac and cheese with the smoky, spicy flavors of fajita-seasoned chicken and sautéed vegetables. It’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with protein, making it a perfect dinner choice for families, meal preppers, or anyone who wants a delicious home-cooked meal that’s easy to whip up.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, method, and nutritional benefits of this dish, while also sharing some handy tips to elevate the flavor and customize it to your liking.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese isn’t your average pasta dish. It’s a fusion of two classics: Tex-Mex fajitas and creamy macaroni and cheese. The result is a one-pan wonder that delivers layers of flavor with every bite. The chicken is seasoned with a combination of fajita spices and all-purpose chicken seasoning for depth, while the sautéed onions and colorful peppers add sweetness and crunch. The cheese sauce, enriched with warm milk, mustard, and two types of cheese, wraps everything together into a luxurious, velvety coating.
Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, hosting friends, or simply craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers big taste without the fuss.
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Protein & Veggies:
500g chicken breast: Lean and high in protein, chicken breast is a great choice to balance out the richness of the cheese.
1 onion (finely diced): Adds natural sweetness and aroma.
3 peppers (finely diced): You can use a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and a mild, sweet flavor.
3 tsp garlic purée or 3 fresh garlic cloves: Essential for that aromatic, savory base.
Seasonings:
1 tbsp chicken seasoning: Enhances the flavor of the chicken. A good seasoning mix usually includes paprika, garlic, herbs, and a bit of salt.
2 tbsp fajita seasoning: Provides that iconic Tex-Mex smoky, slightly spicy flavor. Store-bought or homemade blends work well.
Base & Liquids:
300g pasta (uncooked weight): Any short pasta works here – macaroni, penne, or fusilli all do a great job of holding the sauce.
400ml hot chicken stock: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta.
600ml warm milk: Forms the creamy base of the sauce.
1 tsp English mustard (optional): Enhances the cheese flavor and adds a subtle tang.
Cheese & Garnish:
120g cheese: A mix of extra mature cheddar and mozzarella gives you both sharpness and stretch.
Season to taste: Adjust salt and pepper based on your preference.
Parsley and chili flakes (optional): For a fresh and spicy finish.
Method: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, coat the chicken with the chicken seasoning and fajita seasoning. Make sure every piece is well-coated.
Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or deep pan. Cook the seasoned chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Veggies
In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed and toss in the diced onions and peppers. Sauté over medium heat until soft and slightly caramelized, about 6 to 8 minutes. Then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add Pasta, Stock, and Milk
Pour the uncooked pasta directly into the pan with the veggies. Stir well to coat the pasta in the pan juices. Add in the hot chicken stock and warm milk. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
This step takes around 10 to 12 minutes. The pasta will gradually absorb the liquid and cook through, creating a creamy sauce in the process.
4. Add Cheese and Mustard
Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened, stir in the mustard if using. Then add the cheese in batches, stirring constantly until it melts into a smooth, velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bring It All Together
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir until well combined. Let everything cook for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
6. Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes if you like a little heat. Serve hot and enjoy.
Nutrition and Benefits
This dish is not only incredibly tasty but also quite balanced. With 620 calories per serving and over 53 grams of protein, it’s a protein-packed meal that supports muscle recovery and keeps you full longer. The addition of colorful vegetables boosts the vitamin and fiber content, while the cheese and milk provide calcium and essential fats.
If you’re tracking your macros or eating for performance, this recipe fits well into a high-protein diet. You can also tweak it for lower carbs or more fiber by swapping regular pasta for whole wheat or legume-based alternatives.
Tips and Variations
1. Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
2. Go dairy-free: Use plant-based milk and vegan cheese to make it lactose-free or vegan-friendly.
3. Add more veggies: Bulk up the dish with mushrooms, spinach, or sweetcorn.
4. Try different proteins: Swap chicken for turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a different spin.
5. Bake it: If you prefer baked mac and cheese, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake at 200°C for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Final Thoughts
Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a bold, exciting twist. It brings together the nostalgic coziness of mac and cheese with the zesty, colorful flair of fajita-style cooking. The best part is that it’s all made in one pan, which means fewer dishes and more flavor.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing meals for the week, or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this recipe ticks all the boxes. It’s satisfying, easy to make, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Try it tonight and bring a fiesta of flavor to your dinner table.
Must try Slow Roasted Lamb Shoulder Recipe
Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe
Creamy, cheesy Fajita Chicken Mac and Cheese packed with bold spices, tender chicken, and veggies. A one-pan comfort food favorite.
Type: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion, Tex-Mex
Keywords: Fajita Chicken, Mac and Cheese, One-Pot Pasta, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta, Tex-Mex Pasta
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
Calories: 620 kcal per serving
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Recipe Ingredients:
- 500g chicken breast
- 1 tbsp chicken seasoning
- 2 tbsp fajita seasoning
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 3 bell peppers, finely diced (mixed colors)
- 3 tsp garlic purée or 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 300g uncooked pasta
- 400ml hot chicken stock
- 600ml milk, warmed
- 1 tsp English mustard (optional)
- 120g cheese (mix of extra mature cheddar and mozzarella)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parsley and chili flakes for garnish (optional)
Recipe Instructions:
1. Prepare and Season the Chicken:
Start by cutting your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, coat the chicken with the chicken seasoning and fajita seasoning. Make sure every piece is well-coated. Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or deep pan. Cook the seasoned chicken over medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked. This should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
2. Saute the Veggies:
3. Add Pasta, Stock, and Milk:
Pour the uncooked pasta directly into the pan with the veggies. Stir well to coat the pasta in the pan juices. Add in the hot chicken stock and warm milk. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This step takes around 10 to 12 minutes. The pasta will gradually absorb the liquid and cook through, creating a creamy sauce in the process.
4. Add Cheese and Mustard:
5. Bring It All Together: