Chicken-Roni Casserole
Creamy chicken and mushroom casserole with melted American cheese and crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for a comforting family dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups diced cooked chicken ⓘ
- 4 oz shredded American cheese ⓘ
- 1 can (10 1/2 oz) cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can (3 oz) chopped mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 cup soft bread crumbs ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon butter or oleo, melted
- 1/2 cup milk ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chopped pimiento ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- Combine cooked macaroni with diced cooked chicken, shredded American cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, chopped mushrooms, chopped pimiento, and prepared mustard. Turn into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish.
- Mix bread crumbs with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake in a moderate oven (350°F) for about 50 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider incorporating spices like garlic powder or paprika into the mixture. You can substitute the American cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for a different taste. If you don't have pimiento, roasted red peppers can also work well. For a crunchier topping, add crushed crackers along with the bread crumbs. This dish is great for using leftover chicken from recipes like Eddie'S No Fuss Chicken And Vegetable Pockets.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken-Roni Casserole pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, serve it alongside a warm bowl of Creamy Asparagus Chowder. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top before serving to enhance the dish's appearance and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken-Roni Casserole contains roughly 969 calories, with 22g protein, 106g carbohydrates, and 52g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (140% of the Daily Value), iron (52% of the Daily Value), and calcium (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1641mg per serving (71% 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 pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just ensure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type, as some may require more or less time to become tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup. This will create a delicious vegetarian casserole that's still hearty and satisfying.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
To prepare this casserole in advance, assemble all the ingredients in the dish and cover it with plastic wrap. You can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're baking it 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).