Macaroni Chicken Surprise
Creamy, cheesy macaroni with tender chicken and pimento, baked to perfection. A comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 6 pieces chicken breast, cooked, skinned and boned ⓘ
- 8 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked according to package instructions ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 cup chicken broth, warm ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten
- 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard ⓘ
- 2 oz. jar chopped pimento ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together cooked and drained macaroni and chicken pieces.
- Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, stir warm chicken broth into sour cream until smooth.
- Add the beaten egg and prepared mustard, mixing well.
- Pour the sour cream mixture over the macaroni and chicken mixture.
- Add chopped pimento and 1 1/4 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, then mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for about 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding diced onions or celery to the chicken and macaroni mixture. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. If you're short on time, rotisserie chicken works well as a convenient replacement for cooked chicken breast. This dish can be customized by mixing in vegetables like peas or spinach, making it a versatile option in your collection of chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Macaroni Chicken Surprise with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Quick Potatoes Divine for a comforting dinner. For an added touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives before serving to brighten up the dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover the dish to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Macaroni Chicken Surprise contains roughly 215 calories, with 7g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1600mg per serving (70% 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
Is this dish suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze Macaroni Chicken Surprise. After baking, allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F until heated through.
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).