Creamy Chicken Macaroni Bake
This Creamy Chicken Macaroni Bake is the ultimate make-ahead meal for busy weeknights. It's a comforting, creamy dish that combines tender macaroni with succulent chunks of leftover chicken and a rich, flavorful sauce. With just a little prep, you can have this dish ready to bake when you return home, ensuring that dinner is both quick and satisfying. The combination of cream of mushroom and chicken soups adds depth to the flavor, while the addition of cheese creates a beautifully melted top. You can even customize this casserole to fit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences, making it the perfect flexible meal for everyone to enjoy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
leftover diced cooked chicken
2 cups (diced)
macaroni
2 cups (raw)
milk
2 cups (none)
cream of mushroom soup
10 ounces (none)
cream of chicken soup
10 ounces (none)
shredded cheese
1 cup (shredded)
onion
1/2 cup (diced)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, raw macaroni, milk, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheese, and diced onion.
2
Season generously to taste with your choice of herbs. For a classic flavor, we recommend sage, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of garlic powder.
3
Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9x13 inch baking pan.
4
Cover the pan tightly with foil and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally overnight to allow flavors to meld.
5
When ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the casserole from the refrigerator and place it directly in the cold oven.
6
Bake for approximately 1 hour or until the casserole is hot and bubbling throughout. Check for doneness and ensure the macaroni is tender.
7
For a pizza-inspired twist, substitute diced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage for the chicken, and use one can each of tomato soup and cheese soup instead of the mushroom and chicken soups. Don’t forget to season with oregano, Italian seasoning, and garlic.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Chicken Macaroni Bake?
It is a comforting, make-ahead casserole that combines leftover cooked chicken with raw macaroni in a rich, soup-based sauce.
Do I need to boil the macaroni before adding it to the dish?
No, the macaroni is added raw and absorbs moisture from the milk and soups while it sits in the refrigerator.
How long must the casserole be refrigerated before baking?
The dish must be refrigerated for a minimum of 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is ideal for the best results.
What type of chicken should I use?
This recipe is designed for leftover diced cooked chicken, such as rotisserie or roasted chicken.
Can I use something other than chicken?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with diced pepperoni or cooked Italian sausage for a pizza-inspired variation.
What size baking pan is required?
A standard 9x13 inch baking pan that has been greased is needed for this recipe.
Which soups are used in the base recipe?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of cream of mushroom soup and one 10-ounce can of cream of chicken soup.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of shredded cheese; cheddar or a blend of melting cheeses works well.
What seasonings should I add?
For a classic flavor, use sage, rosemary, thyme, and a pinch of garlic powder.
Do I need to preheat the oven?
No, you should place the cold casserole directly into a cold oven and then set the temperature to 350°F.
How long does the baking process take?
It takes approximately 1 hour or until the casserole is hot, bubbling, and the macaroni is tender.
Why is the dish placed in a cold oven?
Starting in a cold oven allows the refrigerated pan and the pasta to heat up gradually, preventing the pan from cracking and ensuring even cooking.
How do I make the Pizza-inspired twist?
Substitute chicken with pepperoni or sausage, use tomato and cheese soups instead of mushroom and chicken, and season with oregano and Italian herbs.
How much milk is needed for the recipe?
The recipe requires 2 cups of milk to provide enough liquid for the raw pasta to cook.
Is onion included in the mixture?
Yes, 1/2 cup of diced onion is mixed into the casserole for added flavor.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While macaroni is standard, other small shapes like shells or penne can work as long as they are raw and have enough liquid to absorb.
Can I add vegetables to this bake?
Yes, you can easily customize the casserole by adding peas, carrots, or broccoli to the mixture before refrigerating.
Should the pan be covered during refrigeration?
Yes, the pan should be covered tightly with foil to keep it fresh and prevent the moisture from evaporating.
How do I check if the casserole is done?
Ensure the mixture is bubbling throughout and test a piece of macaroni to confirm it is soft and fully cooked.
Is this a good meal-prep dish?
Absolutely, it is specifically designed to be prepared ahead of time so it is ready to bake on busy nights.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of leftovers?
You must cook the chicken first before adding it to the mixture, as the raw macaroni bake time is not intended for cooking raw meat.
What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?
You can use cream of celery or cream of broccoli soup if you prefer to avoid mushrooms.
Is the onion cooked before being added?
No, the 1/2 cup of diced onion is added raw and will soften during the hour-long baking process.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Yes, though whole milk or 2% will provide a creamier and richer texture to the final sauce.
Can I freeze this casserole?
While it is best made fresh and refrigerated, you can freeze it; just ensure it is completely thawed before starting the cold-oven baking process.
What if I don't have sage or rosemary?
You can use a general poultry seasoning or just salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
How many cups of raw macaroni are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of raw macaroni pasta.
Is this dish suitable for kids?
Yes, its creamy texture and familiar flavors like chicken, cheese, and pasta make it very kid-friendly.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but you will need to use two 9x13 pans or a much larger vessel, ensuring the liquid-to-pasta ratio remains the same.
What should I serve with this bake?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans complement the richness of the casserole perfectly.