Chicken-Broccoli Macaroni Bake
Creamy chicken and broccoli baked macaroni combines tender chicken breasts, broccoli, and cheesy sauce for a comforting, family-friendly dish with savory flavors and crispy topping.
Ingredients
- 4 large or 6 small chicken breasts ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 package frozen chopped broccoli, thawed and drained ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 8 ounces macaroni ⓘ
- 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fine bread crumbs ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons margarine, melted ⓘ
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts in a greased 11 x 7 x 2-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes.
- In a bowl, stir together the cream of mushroom soup and mayonnaise.
- Stir in thawed and drained frozen chopped broccoli and lemon juice.
- Add cooked macaroni and toss to coat well.
- Remove chicken from baking dish and stir the cooking juices into the macaroni mixture.
- Spoon the macaroni mixture into the baking dish.
- Top with the chicken breasts.
- Combine shredded Cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, and melted margarine, then sprinkle over the chicken and macaroni.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using skinless chicken breasts and low-fat mayonnaise. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen; just blanch it before adding. If you want an extra crunch, try adding some crushed crackers to the topping. Don't overcook the macaroni; it should be slightly underdone before baking to prevent mushiness.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken-Broccoli Macaroni Bake pairs beautifully with a side salad or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it with roasted vegetables or a light soup. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top before serving for added flavor. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or potlucks.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave portions for a quick meal, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Broccoli Macaroni Bake contains roughly 621 calories, with 25g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 49g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value) and calcium (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1785mg per serving (78% 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 cheese?
Yes, feel free to substitute the Cheddar cheese with other varieties like Monterey Jack or Gruyère for a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind that the melting quality may vary, which can affect the final texture of the bake.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the cream of mushroom soup and bread crumbs are also gluten-free. Many brands offer suitable options that taste great and maintain the dish's overall flavor.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the bake a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
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).