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Chicken Fajita Mac and CheeseImage for illustration only
Egg-freeFish-freeCooking With KidsNut-freeContains dairy

Chicken Fajita Mac and Cheese

Cooking With Kids

A rich and comforting creation that marries the tenderness of traditional macaroni with the bold flavors and subtle heat of Mexican cuisine, enhanced by succulent pieces of chicken. The fusion of melted cheddar and velvety cream coats every bite in a perfect creamy texture, delivering a vibrant and soulful meal for those seeking comfort food with a daring twist.

Prep
5 min
Servings
4
Difficulty
Medium
WhatsAppOriginal recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g macaroni
  • 2 cups chicken stock
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 packet fajita seasoning
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 3 diced chicken breast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small finely diced onion
  • 2 finely diced red pepper
  • 2 cloves minced garlic
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese
  • garnish chopped parsley

Instructions

Servings:4
  1. Onion, peppers, and garlic sautéing in a skillet
    1Fry your onion, peppers and garlic in olive oil until nicely translucent. Make a well in your veg and add your chicken. Add your seasoning and salt. Allow to colour slightly.
  2. Chicken cubes added to the center of the vegetables
    2Add your cream, stock and macaroni.
  3. Spiced chicken browning with peppers
    3Cook on low for 20 minutes. Add your cheeses, stir to combine.
  4. Macaroni, cream, and stock added to the skillet
    4Top with roasted peppers and parsley.
  5. Creamy macaroni simmering in a deep skillet
    5Creamy macaroni simmering in a deep skillet
  6. Grated cheddar melting into the macaroni
    6Grated cheddar melting into the macaroni
  7. Finished fajita macaroni with peppers and parsley
    7Finished fajita macaroni with peppers and parsley

Nutrition

Calories
676
Protein
64.6g
Carbs
2.8g

Chef tips

To keep the chicken juicy and prevent it from drying out, sear it quickly over high heat before mixing it with the pasta. Use a splash of the macaroni water to help thicken the cheese sauce. For a bolder flavor, add smoked paprika to the chicken and top with fresh avocado. Let the kids help sprinkle the cheddar cheese on top before baking for a perfect golden crust.

Culinary reasoning

A rich and comforting creation that marries the tenderness of traditional macaroni with the bold flavors and subtle heat of Mexican cuisine, enhanced by succulent pieces of chicken. The fusion of melted cheddar and velvety cream coats every bite in a perfect creamy texture, delivering a vibrant and soulful meal for those seeking comfort food with a daring twist.

Family cooking

Cooking With Kids

Simple ways children can join safely, with adult guidance.

EasyAge 4-12

Age 3-5

Small helper

  • Mash soft ingredients
  • Wash fruit and vegetables
A young child mixing ingredients in a bowl with adult supervision nearby

Age 6-8

Kitchen explorer

  • Stir a batter
  • Measure simple ingredients
A child whisking batter with measuring tools on a family kitchen counter

Age 9+

Confident cook

  • Read the steps
  • Portion and shape
An older child reading a recipe while measuring ingredients independently

Adults only

Grown-up task

  • Use heat
  • Handle sharp tools
An adult safely handling a hot oven tray with oven mitts

Adult supervision required. Match activities to the child's age and abilities.

Skills Kids Practice

  • Following instructions
  • Fine motor skills
  • Counting
  • Teamwork

A good moment to remind kids not to share spoons, to wash hands, and to check ingredients with an adult.

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