Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole

Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole Recipe - A Delicious American Dish

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that combines creamy macaroni and cheese with tender chicken. This casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on the classic macaroni and cheese casserole. By adding chicken and a creamy mushroom sauce, this dish becomes a hearty and satisfying meal that is sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

1 package of Kraft macaroni and cheese (14.5 oz (411 g))
1 cup of chopped onion
2 tbsp of margarine
1.5 cups of milk
2 cans of condensed cream of mushroom soup
2 to 3 cups of cooked and chopped chicken

How to prepare

Prepare dinner according to package instructions, but use 1.5 cups of milk and 0.33 cups of margarine as directed.
In a skillet, sauté the onion in 2 tbsp of margarine until tender.
Add the sautéed onion, soup, and chicken to the prepared dinner. Mix well.
Spoon the mixture into a 3 qt (2.84 liter) casserole dish.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly.
Enjoy the delicious dish!

Variations

Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
Add breadcrumbs on top of the casserole before baking for a crunchy topping.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the macaroni according to package instructions to ensure that it is perfectly al dente.

- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.

- Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as peas or broccoli, to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

Use any type of pasta in place of macaroni.

- Use cooked turkey or ham in place of chicken.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole in individual ramekins for a cute and elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad and a glass of white wine for a delicious meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole contains approximately 15 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Cheesy Macaroni Chicken Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck gathering. With a creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked macaroni, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Betty, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, the aroma of cheesy macaroni chicken casserole filled the air, and I knew I had to get my hands on the recipe.

Betty greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, before handing me a plate of the mouthwatering casserole. As I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon something truly special. The creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked macaroni all came together in a harmonious blend of flavors that left me craving more.

I begged Betty for the recipe, and she laughed, telling me that it was a family secret passed down through generations. But she could see how much I loved it, so she agreed to share it with me under one condition – that I promise to keep it safe and pass it on to others who would appreciate it as much as I did.

I eagerly agreed, and Betty handed me a tattered old recipe card with faded writing and splatters of sauce. She explained each step in detail, from boiling the macaroni to shredding the chicken and making the creamy cheese sauce from scratch. I listened intently, taking notes and asking questions to make sure I got every detail just right.

After a few hours in the kitchen, I finally took my first bite of the cheesy macaroni chicken casserole that I had made from scratch. It was a moment of pure joy and satisfaction, knowing that I had recreated Betty's masterpiece in my own kitchen. The flavors were spot on, and I could almost hear Betty's voice guiding me through each step as I cooked.

From that day on, cheesy macaroni chicken casserole became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for family dinners, potlucks, and even special occasions like birthdays and holidays. Each time I served it, I would think of Betty and the special bond we shared over this beloved recipe.

Over the years, I made a few tweaks to the recipe, adding my own personal touches and experimenting with different cheeses and seasonings. But the core of the dish remained the same – tender chicken, al dente macaroni, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that bound it all together in perfect harmony.

As time went on, I shared the recipe with friends and family who fell in love with it just as I had. They would often ask me for tips and tricks, and I would gladly pass on the knowledge that Betty had shared with me all those years ago.

One day, my granddaughter came to visit me in the kitchen while I was making cheesy macaroni chicken casserole. She watched me with wide eyes as I stirred the sauce and layered the ingredients in the casserole dish. When it was finally ready, I served her a generous helping and watched as she took her first bite.

Her face lit up with delight, and she exclaimed, "Grandma, this is the best thing I've ever tasted!" I couldn't help but smile, knowing that I had passed on the tradition of this beloved recipe to another generation.

As my granddaughter grew older, she would often come to me for cooking lessons and advice. We would spend hours in the kitchen together, laughing, talking, and bonding over our shared love of food and family. And cheesy macaroni chicken casserole was always at the center of our culinary adventures.

Years passed, and I grew older, but my love for cooking and sharing recipes never wavered. I continued to make cheesy macaroni chicken casserole for family gatherings and special occasions, passing on the tradition to my children and grandchildren.

And as I sit here now, reflecting on a lifetime of memories and meals shared with loved ones, I am grateful for the day I stumbled upon that recipe in Betty's kitchen. It brought me joy, satisfaction, and a sense of connection to the past and the future – all in one delicious dish. And for that, I will always be thankful.