Chicken And Macaroni Au Gratin
Creamy chicken and macaroni au gratin combines tender diced chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and Swiss cheese in a rich, savory sauce, baked to perfection for comforting family dining.
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. flour ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) cream cheese ⓘ
- 1 tsp. salt ⓘ
- dash of pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
- dash of nutmeg ⓘ
- 1 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 c. chicken bouillon ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped pimento ⓘ
- 1 c. sautéed mushrooms ⓘ
- 2 1/2 c. cooked chicken diced ⓘ
- 2 c. cooked macaroni ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated Swiss cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt butter over low heat; blend in flour, cream cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg if using.
- Gradually add chicken bouillon and milk, stirring constantly until slightly thickened.
- Combine the sauce with cooked chicken, sautéed mushrooms, and chopped pimentos if desired.
- Stir in cooked macaroni until well coated.
- Pour mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Top with grated Swiss cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding an extra ounce of cream cheese or using half-and-half instead of milk. You can substitute cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken for the chicken in this recipe. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with steamed broccoli or spinach. Adding a bit of grated Parmesan cheese on top before baking can elevate the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken And Macaroni Au Gratin alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving with Janie'S Chicken Pot Pie as a side dish for a cozy family gathering.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Macaroni Au Gratin contains roughly 1947 calories, with 25g protein, 124g carbohydrates, and 150g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (65% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (51% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it, cover tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. This will ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of Swiss cheese?
If you don't have Swiss cheese, you can substitute with Gruyère, mozzarella, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile. Each cheese will bring its unique taste and melting characteristics, so choose based on your preference.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or even spinach for added nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to sauté them briefly before adding to the mixture to ensure they are tender.
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).