Mark'S Favorite Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole combining tender chicken, pasta, creamy mushroom and chicken soups, vegetables, and cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, diced chicken ⓘ
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 can milk
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (13 oz.) can chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 small onion, diced ⓘ
- 1/2 green pepper, diced ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar diced pimento ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) can water chestnuts ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked diced chicken, uncooked macaroni, cream of mushroom soup, milk, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, diced onion, green pepper, diced pimento, water chestnuts, and grated Cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, until hot and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. You can substitute the macaroni with whole wheat pasta or gluten-free options if preferred. If you want to enhance the flavor, try adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning. To save time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For added flavor, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls. It also makes for a great potluck dish, similar to Chicken Casserole (Mom's One Dish), that everyone will enjoy.
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 (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mark'S Favorite Chicken Casserole contains roughly 559 calories, with 25g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 33g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (49% of the Daily Value), calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (31% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2723mg per serving (118% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken. Just ensure it is thawed and diced before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will help to evenly distribute the flavors and ensure even cooking throughout the casserole.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar for an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preferences.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein. Use vegetable broth and substitute the cream soups with a homemade or store-bought vegetarian cream soup. This will create a hearty vegetarian casserole that still satisfies.
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).