Jake Harper
Chicken and macaroni casserole is a hearty, creamy, and rich dish that is perfect for a comforting meal. This classic casserole is a one-dish meal that is easy to make and can be adapted to your liking. The soft, chewy texture of the macaroni pairs perfectly with the chicken, and the addition of pimentos, vegetables, and a crunchy topping of breadcrumbs or crackers create a delicious and satisfying dish. This casserole is a family favourite that can be served with a simple green salad and fresh bread for a wholesome dinner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Casserole, Pasta Bake |
| Main Ingredients | Elbow Macaroni, Chicken |
| Other Ingredients | Cheese, Milk, Butter, Breadcrumbs, Vegetables (Mushrooms, Onion, Green Pepper, Peas, Broccoli), Spices (Curry Powder, Chili Powder) |
| Toppings | Breadcrumbs, Crackers, Ritz Crackers, Herbs |
| Oven Temperature | 350°F to 400°F |
| Baking Time | 20-30 minutes |
| Nutrition (per 1 1/4 cups) | 404 calories, 19g fat, 92mg cholesterol, 835mg sodium, 30g carbohydrates, 31g protein |
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What You'll Learn
Chicken and macaroni casserole with mayonnaise
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Mayonnaise
- Chicken
- Vegetables of your choice (peas, mushrooms, green beans, bell peppers, broccoli, corn, celery, onion, etc.)
- Cheese
- Milk or cream
- Chicken stock or broth
- Breadcrumbs
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: pimientos, olives, sour cream, cheese soup, cracker crumbs
Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F - 400°F. Grease a 2 1/2-quart or 3-quart casserole dish.
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, boiling it in salted water for 2-3 minutes less than indicated. Drain the macaroni thoroughly.
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked chicken, mayonnaise, vegetables, cheese, milk or cream, chicken stock or broth, salt, and pepper. Stir in the macaroni.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs and melted butter.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling. If desired, sprinkle with cheese and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken and macaroni casserole can be served with a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette and fresh bread. It also makes great leftovers for lunches. Enjoy!
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Using breadcrumbs for topping
A topping of breadcrumbs can add a crunchy texture to your elbow macaroni and chicken casserole. You can use either packaged breadcrumbs or make your own at home. Packaged dried breadcrumbs are usually too fine, so opt for soft breadcrumbs instead. To make your own soft breadcrumbs, process fresh or day-old bread in a food processor until small crumbs form. Avoid processing the bread into a very fine texture.
You can season your breadcrumbs with ingredients like Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried herbs, or crushed red pepper. For a buttery crumb crust, melt some butter in a frying pan, add a crushed clove of garlic, and sauté over low heat for 30 seconds before adding the breadcrumbs and chopped parsley. You can also use olive oil or butter to make the breadcrumbs crisp and golden brown.
When your casserole is ready to be baked, sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top and bake until golden and bubbly. If you prefer a crispier topping, you can bake the casserole first and then add the breadcrumbs before grilling it.
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Adding vegetables
Elbow macaroni and chicken casserole is a hearty, creamy, and rich dish. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of vegetables, making it a wholesome and nutritious meal. Here are some ideas for adding vegetables to this casserole:
Mushrooms
Fresh mushrooms can be sautéed in butter before being added to the casserole. This adds a nice texture and flavour to the dish. If you're short on time, canned mushrooms can be used, but they may lack the same depth of flavour.
Onions
Onions are a great addition to the casserole, providing a savoury flavour base. They can be chopped and sautéed along with the mushrooms. If fresh onions are not preferred, onion powder can be used as a substitute.
Green Beans
Green beans can add a nice crunchy texture and a boost of nutrients to the casserole. They can be blanched or sautéed before being mixed into the dish.
Bell Peppers
Colourful bell peppers can be diced and sautéed along with the onions and mushrooms. They add a sweet flavour and a pop of colour to the casserole.
Broccoli Florets
Broccoli florets are a nutritious and tasty addition to the casserole. They can be blanched or steamed before being added to the dish. Alternatively, frozen broccoli can be added directly to the casserole and cooked along with the pasta.
Peas
Peas are a great choice to add colour, sweetness, and a boost of vitamins. They can be added directly to the casserole without any pre-cooking.
Celery
Celery stalks can be chopped and added to the casserole for extra crunch and flavour. They pair well with the other vegetables and chicken in the dish.
When adding vegetables to the elbow macaroni and chicken casserole, it is important to consider the cooking times and methods for each vegetable. Some vegetables may need to be sautéed, blanched, or steamed before being added to the casserole to ensure they are tender and cooked through. Experiment with different combinations of vegetables to find your favourite flavour and texture profiles.
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Substituting macaroni with egg noodles
Macaroni and egg noodles are two different types of pasta. Macaroni is made without eggs and has a white or light colour, whereas egg noodles are made with eggs and have a yellowish colour. Macaroni is typically firmer, whereas egg noodles are denser and chewier.
Given these differences, can you substitute macaroni with egg noodles in a casserole? The answer is yes. Egg noodles are commonly used in casseroles and can be used in place of elbow macaroni. They are particularly well-suited to cream- or butter-based sauces, which are often used in casseroles.
However, it is important to note that substituting macaroni with egg noodles will alter the dish's texture and taste. Egg noodles are broader and flatter than macaroni, and they have a different cooking time. When substituting egg noodles for macaroni in a casserole, you should follow the cooking instructions for the egg noodles to ensure they are cooked properly.
Additionally, egg noodles may require more cooking water than macaroni. When substituting egg noodles for macaroni, you may need to add more cooking water to the dish. As a general rule, when substituting egg noodles for regular dried pasta, you should double the amount of pasta cooking water.
Finally, while egg noodles can be used as a substitute for macaroni in a casserole, it may affect the dish's integrity. The original texture and taste of the casserole may be altered, and it may not turn out as expected. However, with the right adjustments, substituting macaroni with egg noodles can be a delicious way to create a new variation of a classic casserole.
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Using leftover chicken
Chicken macaroni casserole is a great way to use up leftover chicken. You can use any type of cooked chicken, such as leftover rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or cooked packaged chicken breasts. If you're using leftover chicken, simply shred or dice the meat and ensure that any bones are removed before adding it to the casserole.
To make the casserole, start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 2 1/2-quart or 9x13" casserole dish. You can then cook the macaroni according to the package directions, but be sure to undercook it by 2-3 minutes so that it doesn't become too soft in the oven. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
In a separate bowl, combine the chicken with the remaining ingredients, such as cheese, milk, vegetables, and seasonings. Common vegetables used in this casserole include peas, mushrooms, green beans, bell peppers, and broccoli. For seasonings, you can use onion powder, garlic salt, pepper, or even curry powder or chili powder for a spicy kick. You can also add a can of cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup for extra creaminess and flavour.
Once your chicken and macaroni are mixed with the other ingredients, transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish. If you'd like a crunchy topping, mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them over the top of the casserole. Bake the casserole, uncovered, for 20-30 minutes, or until it's heated through and bubbly.
This chicken macaroni casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that's perfect for using up leftover chicken. It's a simple and economical meal that can be easily adapted to your taste preferences and the ingredients you have on hand.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need macaroni, chicken, cheese, milk, and breadcrumbs. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms, onions, and peppers, as well as seasonings like salt and pepper. Some recipes call for condensed soup, mayonnaise, or curry powder.
First, cook the macaroni according to the package directions. In a separate bowl, combine the chicken, cheese, milk, and any other desired ingredients. Drain the macaroni and add it to the chicken mixture. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs. Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until bubbly and heated through.
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette and some fresh bread would go well with the casserole.
Yes, you can make this dish in advance and serve it later. However, be aware that the macaroni may soak up too much sauce, making the dish dry.
