Chicken Cheese Melt Away Casserole
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole with tender macaroni and savory sauce, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors and gooey cheese topping.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni and drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan.
- Add chopped onion and cook over low heat for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Stir in flour, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually add milk and cook until the sauce thickens.
- Place half of the cooked macaroni in a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
- Layer half of the cooked, diced chicken over the macaroni.
- Repeat with remaining macaroni and chicken.
- Arrange cheese slices on top of the casserole.
- Pour the sauce over the casserole.
- Bake at 350°F for 25 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier sauce, consider adding a bit of cream cheese or sour cream to the mixture. If you want to add some vegetables, chopped spinach or broccoli can work well. You can also substitute the elbow macaroni with any pasta shape you prefer, such as shells or penne. Make sure to taste the sauce before pouring it over to adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Cheese Melt Away Casserole with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken Pot Pie(Turkey) for a comforting dinner spread. For a more filling meal, consider serving with garlic bread or buttery rolls on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them to retain moisture, for about 2-3 minutes on high.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Cheese Melt Away Casserole contains roughly 903 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 91g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1929mg per serving (84% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
While cooked chicken is recommended for this recipe, you can use raw chicken, but you'll need to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole to ensure food safety. Consider sautéing or boiling the chicken first.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar cheese is a classic choice for this casserole due to its melting qualities and flavor. However, you can use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a different taste. Just ensure that whatever cheese you choose melts well.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Assemble it completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
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).