Chicken Encore
Creamy chicken and pasta casserole with mushrooms, eggs, and cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings, blending rich flavors and hearty textures.
Ingredients
- 14 oz. cooked chicken, finely chopped
- 8 oz. small elbow macaroni, cooked ⓘ
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup ⓘ
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. mild cheese, cubed or shredded
- 1/2 tsp. thyme ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Mix well to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of cream of mushroom and cream of celery soup. If you want to add more vegetables, frozen peas or spinach can be great additions. For a touch of heat, incorporate some diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of mild cheese. Always taste and adjust seasoning before baking.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Encore pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious sauce. For a comforting side, consider serving it alongside some Microwave Rice Pilaf for a balanced dinner. Garnish with fresh herbs for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Encore contains roughly 1403 calories, with 24g protein, 252g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (74% of the Daily Value), calcium (65% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1851mg per serving (80% 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 leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the dish. Just ensure that the chicken is shredded or chopped into small pieces for even distribution throughout the casserole.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Encore a day in advance. Assemble the ingredients in the baking dish, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you're looking for a substitute for cream of mushroom soup, consider using homemade white sauce or another cream soup like cream of chicken or cream of celery. You can also use a dairy-free alternative if needed, just ensure it has a similar consistency for the best results.
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).