Chicken-Mac Casserole
A creamy, cheesy casserole combining chicken, bacon, spinach, and crispy onions, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings with rich flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a saucepan, place hot cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, cooked chicken, and half of the French fried onions.
- In a medium bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, sour cream or yogurt, drained chopped spinach, garlic powder, and half of the shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Spoon half of the macaroni mixture into a greased 8 x 12-inch baking dish.
- Cover with half of the spinach mixture.
- Repeat layers with remaining macaroni mixture and spinach mixture.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until heated through.
- Remove foil, top with remaining cheese and onions, and bake uncovered for 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist, consider adding vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to the macaroni mixture. You can also use turkey bacon or omit the bacon for a lighter version. If you prefer a creamier casserole, increase the sour cream or yogurt to 1 1/2 cups. For a crunchier topping, mix some breadcrumbs with the remaining cheese before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken-Mac Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Tops' Cornbread Dressing for a comforting dinner. For a fun twist, offer some hot sauce on the side for those who like an extra kick. This dish is perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until heated through. If using the oven, cover with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out, reheating at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Mac Casserole contains roughly 738 calories, with 34g protein, 77g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (67% of the Daily Value), calcium (48% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (30% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 867mg per serving (38% 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 different types of pasta for this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just ensure that the pasta is cooked al dente to hold its shape during baking. Different shapes can also add a fun twist to the dish while maintaining the same delicious flavor.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just assemble it in the baking dish, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking, then follow the baking instructions as usual.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can use homemade white sauce or a different cream soup, like cream of chicken or celery. Alternatively, mixing ricotta cheese with a bit of broth can create a similar creamy texture, allowing for flexibility based on your pantry ingredients.
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).