Best Chicken Macaroni Ever!(Our Family'S Favorite)
A hearty, cheesy chicken macaroni casserole infused with green peppers and onions, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers seeking a flavorful, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the chicken in 3 inches of water for 2 hours, seasoning the water with 2 teaspoons salt and one onion.
- Remove the chicken, then cook the elbow macaroni in the same water until tender, and drain.
- While the macaroni is still hot, add the cooked chicken, diced green pepper, chopped onion, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, chopped pimento, and grated Cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Add pats of butter to the mixture and combine.
- Pour into a well-buttered oblong Pyrex dish, cover with foil or a lid.
- Bake at 350°F for approximately 45 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mixture before baking. You can substitute cooked turkey for the chicken if you have leftovers from Thanksgiving. Additionally, feel free to swap out the sharp Cheddar cheese for a milder variety or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile. This dish is a great way to use up leftover chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting dish with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. It pairs beautifully with Chicken-Ziti Salad for a delightful family dinner. For a heartier option, consider adding some garlic bread on the side. This dish also makes great leftovers for lunch, so don’t hesitate to pack it up!
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Best Chicken Macaroni Ever!(Our Family'S Favorite) contains roughly 389 calories, with 21g protein, 10g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (45% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (45% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 737mg per serving (32% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions. Different shapes can add a unique twist to the dish while still holding the creamy sauce well.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and a plant-based cream of mushroom soup to keep it creamy. This will create a delicious vegetarian alternative that everyone can enjoy.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish a day in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients and store it in the fridge covered until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to adjust the baking time slightly, as it may take a bit longer to cook through if it's cold from the refrigerator.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).